Narvik offered an attractive combination of deep water and year-round access. Norway's deployment of a division north of Narvik during the Winter War is interpreted as a precaution against a Soviet move through its territory. Soviet northern bases faced a further problem: very little infrastructure was available to support a fleet. Winter ice also enters the argument about access to northern ports. An accessible harbour still required facilities to sustain the ships operating from it.
Notable Point · 6:51-8:01
Narvik and the infrastructure needed for a northern fleet
Narvik's deep water and year-round access made it attractive, while Soviet northern bases lacked the facilities needed to sustain a fleet.