After many years of consultation, the Norwegian government has decided to wait until 2032 to enforce the regulation on ships over 10,000 tonnes, a statement said on 27 August. It will come into force on 1 January 2026 for ships under 10,000 tonnes. The navigation ban applies to the Geirangerfjord, the Naeroyfjord and the Aurlandsfjord, which is not a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The “zero greenhouse gas emissions” target was launched in 2018 by the Norwegian government. The navigation ban applies to ships that weigh less than 10,000 tonnes, i.e. “small” vessels such as visiting ferries and tourist boats. However, the regulations for large vessels, which are among the most polluting, will not be implemented until 2032.
Small vessels are allowed to use biogas, produced from organic waste. Small vessels used for essential local transport services are temporarily exempt from the “zero emissions” requirement.
The postponement of the ban on larger ships is due to economic reasons. Maritime tourism is a central part of the country’s economy. The ports in the Flam and Geiranger regions are very attractive and world-famous cruise destinations. If cruise ships are no longer allowed to sail, there is a risk of losing “important tourist traffic,” the Norwegian Parliament explained.
Strong criticism of the environmental impact of the postponement of the ban has been levelled by Havila, the company that operates the coastal cruise ferries. “The authorities have given the players many years to find solutions, but in the end it is purely commercial considerations that remain the winners. This is a victory for those who have not dared to invest in a greener future.”said Bent Martini, director of Havila, which has invested the equivalent of 40 million euros in favor of the ecological transition. Bent Martini emphasizes that biogas authorized for small ships cannot be considered a “zero emission” fuel.
The sites in question, located in the southwest of Norway, are among the most beautiful natural sites in the world. The Geirangerfjord, considered one of the most beautiful Norwegian fjords, is renowned for its magnificent waterfalls.
