This week US submarine USS Delaware (SSN-791) is calling port at Oyrareingir, Tórshavn Harbour. It is the first visit by a nuclear driven submarine to a Faroese port and is the result of coordination between relevant Faroese and US authorities and relevant agencies. Nuclear contingency procedures in the Faroe Islands have been reviewed as part of the preparations for the visit by USS Delaware.
“Visits by US vessels constitute an important component in the bilateral relations between the Faroe Islands and the United States,” says Foreign and Trade Minister Høgni Hoydal “Ports access in the Faroe Islands for US and other allied vessels is valuable for the maintenance of peace and stability in the region and in line with the regional defence and deterrence strategy of NATO.”
Diplomatic clearance for the visit by USS Delaware has been granted on a set of terms set forth by Faroese authorities. These include also escort by the Faroese Coast Guard from the outer limit of the territorial sea to the port.