Why Norway's merchant fleet was a major Allied gain

How important was the Norwegian merchant marine to the Allies?

It was extremely valuable because it was one of the world's largest merchant fleets, but an Allied Norway with its ships, bases, and resources would have been more valuable still.

Norway's merchant marine was one of the world's largest and therefore an extremely useful Allied asset. Its ships added scarce carrying capacity during a global maritime war. That benefit was still smaller than the prize of an unconquered Norway, which would also have denied Germany resources and bases. Retaining southern Norway could have supported Allied air patrols, bombing, and control of the northern approach to the Atlantic.