The Swedish Maritime Administration's Director-General Erik Eklund says in an interview with TT that the current budget deficit means that two out of five helicopter bases will be closed, one of six icebreakers will be taken out of service, and maintenance on shipping lanes will be reduced.
The cutbacks are expected to affect both Sweden's defense preparedness and sea and air rescue services, as well as have significant consequences for industry and commerce.
Infrastructure Minister Andreas Carlson (Christian Democrats) says in a written comment to TT that "the Swedish Maritime Administration's economic situation is very worrying", and that the agency's budget proposal will be carefully analyzed in the Government Offices.
"In the current security policy situation, it is of utmost importance that the core of the Swedish Maritime Administration's important services maintains a satisfactory level. As the Swedish Maritime Administration now takes measures to address the deficit, it is crucial that these services are not affected too negatively", says Carlson in the statement.
The Minister further states that the government will return to questions about "the Swedish Maritime Administration's future delivery levels and financing" in upcoming budget processes.
