En svensk handelsflotta i krig och kristider?

For Sweden, the worsening security situation raises questions not only in respect to the rearmament of the military defence and potential NATO membership, but also concerning how to organise the supply of food and other necessities in the event of war and other crises. Due to its geographical location on the Scandinavian peninsula, Sweden is dependent on shipping. This dependence persists in times of crises and war, which was clearly demonstrated during World Wars I and II. However, while trade and the shipping industry have since evolved substantially, the legislation that applies to Swedish shipping in times of war and crisis stems from World War II and the end of the Cold War era. Against this background, the article deals with several interrelated legal issues concerning access to Swedish vessels and Swedish seafarers for national military or civil supply purposes in the event of war and times of crisis.The authors argue that certain amendments to the law should be introduced to enable an increase in the number of Swedish flagged vessels, and that the national so-called civilian service should also be applicable to seafarers. The issues are expected to be investigated in three official committees recently commissioned by the Swedish Government