Abstract

The Norwegian Shipowners’ Mutual War Risks Insurance Association (DNK) - Norway’s leading mutual war risks insurer, entrusted its historical legacy to the Arctic World Archive (AWA). This deposit captures DNK’s impactful role in maritime defense and commemorates the courageous war sailors, preserving both history and values.

Den Norske Krigsforsikring for Skib (DNK)

Founded in 1935, DNK insures nearly all Norwegian ships, drilling rigs, and mobile units against the risks of war, terrorism, and piracy. Operating as a mutual insurer, DNK plays an essential role in Norway’s maritime defence and has conducted its business from Oslo since its establishment.

As of 2024, virtually all Norwegian ships (approximately 3,500) and drilling rigs are insured against war risks by DNK, making it the world’s largest mutual war risks insurer. The Association is a crucial component of the Norwegian total defence concept for maritime transportation.

As DNK approached a significant milestone in its legacy, it recognised the need for a secure and enduring method to protect its history, ensuring that the sacrifices and contributions of war sailors remain accessible for future generations. With the objective of preserving this legacy for over a century, DNK sought an unbreachable, long-lasting solution.

Navigating the Challenges

The challenge was to find a preservation solution that would withstand time and technology changes, keeping DNK’s historical records immune from data degradation, manipulation, or loss. As digital storage methods are prone to obsolescence and vulnerability, DNK needed a highly resilient medium that would offer a unique combination of extreme durability and security, particularly suited for valuable and irreplaceable historical content.

Future-Proofing

DNK turned to Piql, whose technology met their specific needs for secure, migration free preservation. With its proven solution, piqlFilm, Piql provided a sustainable and futureproof storage medium that combines both visual and digital data.

DNK’s deposit includes:

• The historical record book: “Den Norske Krigsforsikring for Skib, Gjensidig Forening, 19351985,” digitized to preserve DNK’s origins and evolution.
• An explanatory film detailing DNK’s operations and historic milestones, capturing the association’s relevance to maritime security.
• A commemorative film honoring the dedication and sacrifices of Norwegian war sailors, a tribute to the men and women whose commitment fortified DNK’s mission.

Why Piql and the Arctic World Archive?

DNK chose AWA as it was the only option capable of providing near eternal preservation, unaltered and accessible, ensuring that future generations can explore DNK’s storied history. Piql’s solution resonated with DNK’s core values—safety, trust, and endurance—offering unparalleled data protection in the AWA’s secure, remote location in Svalbard.

“Depositing our history in the Arctic World Archive provided a unique opportunity to secure access for future generations.” - Svein A. Ringbakken, Managing Director, Den Norske Krigsforsikring for Skib (DNK)

Outcome

Through its deposit with AWA, DNK has not only secured its historical records but has also honored the valor of Norwegian war sailors, ensuring that this legacy remains accessible for centuries to come. This partnership with Piql provides DNK with peace of mind, knowing that their story is preserved with unparalleled integrity, reflecting DNK’s enduring commitment to safeguarding its heritage for Norway and beyond.

Read more about DNK:

https://www.warrisk.no/