NORWEGIAN SHIPPING The Norwegian merchant marine is the fourth largest in the world. It mainly comprises modern, diesel-engined ships and is consequently highly competitive. Approximately one-tenth of the ton- nage is employed in regular trade along the Norwegian coast and in the fishing industry. One-fifth is engaged in trades between Norway and foreign ports. The remainder of the merchant fleet, about seven-tenths, is working in freight trades between foreign countries. During the Great War Norwegian shipping rendered most valuable service in the conveyance of goods between Norway and foreign ports, and between, the countries of the Allied Powers. For this reason it suffered in exceptional measure as a result of submarine warfare. More than one million gross register tons, or close upon half of the Norwegian tonnage existing at the outbreak of war, was sunk in the four years of the war, and about 2000 seamen lost their lives. The appended diagram reveals that no country, including the belligerent powers, sustained in percentage so heavy a loss as Norway: 76