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The research vessel Dr Fridtjof Nansen is owned by the Norwegian Directorate for Foreign Aid (NORAD) and is manned and operated by the Norwegian Institute of Marine Research (IMR). Built in 1993 in Flekkefjord, Norway, the vessel is in operation approximately 300 days a year. The design and internal layout of the Dr Fridtjof Nansen was based on that of the Johan Hjort, Norway’s domestic research flagship. It has an overall length of 56.75 m and a total internal volume of 1,444 tonnes. Its 23 berths provide accommodation for scientists and crew.
The Dr Fridtjof Nansen operates along the west and south east coast of Africa, supporting a number of science programmes managed by the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). It collects data for NORAD’s Nansen Programme, which supports developing countries in fishery research and management. The programme aims for the sustainable utilisation of marine living resources and an improved protection of the marine environment. The Dr Fridtjof Nansen also gives students and scientific personnel from developing countries an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the workings of a modern research vessel and learn about the marine resources in their countries’ waters.
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 “With the support of UNDP and GEF, Somalia is ready to participate in every conference and activity of the ASCLME Project. We are ready to sign the project document and become full partners in the Project. Somalia has just emerged from a protracted civil war. We have a new President, a new Government and a new Ministry of Fisheries. The war is over and we want to participate in all activities. The PSC meeting has been fantastic for all the countries, but particularly for Somalia. We have spoken honestly and frankly at this meeting.” Ahmed Mohammed Iman, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries, Somalia.
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The ASCLME Project 
