The Norwegian government has set dates for enforcing zero-emission shipping regulations at World Heritage sites in the Norwegian fjords. While the regulations delay the deadline for larger cruise ships, they mark a significant step in Norway's environmental efforts, which also include a ban on heavy fuel oil in the Arctic.
The zero-emission requirement for the five fjords—Naerøyfjorden, Aurlandsfjorden, Geirangerfjorden, Sunnylvsfjorden, and Tafjorden—was first proposed in 2018, with an initial target set for 2026. However, the government acknowledged at the time that the necessary technology was still under development.
This week, the Storting (Norway’s Parliament) approved a phased implementation schedule. Cruise ships and ferries under 10,000 gross tons must comply by January 1, 2026, while larger ships have until January 1, 2032. The regulation is expected to drive technological advancements and encourage the development of zero-emission solutions, with Norway actively supporting innovations such as hydrogen fuel and high-capacity batteries.
The phased-in approach and delay for larger ships reflect the current technological limitations. Meanwhile, the regulation allows the use of biogas to meet emissions standards, and operators like Havila, which conducts coastal cruises, are already testing battery technologies. Notably, in June 2022, the 15,800 gross ton Havila Castor set a record by operating for three hours entirely on batteries in Geirangerfjord.
Additionally, Norway is implementing rules for using shore power where available. The Storting mandated that the state must ensure the provision of onshore power in Flam, a popular cruise destination at the innermost part of the Aurlandsfjord, a branch of the Sognefjord. The government will help fund the installation of shore power at the port.
In 2024, Norway also ended an exemption for cargo ships in the Arctic from a 2022 ban on heavy fuels, enforcing the first penalties under these rules this summer. The ban, primarily aimed at preventing oil spills in the sensitive region, also reduces emissions.
Norway is experiencing a surge in cruise ship visits, with Cruise Norway reporting over six million cruise passengers in 2023, a 33% increase from 2022. A further 4% growth is forecasted for 2024, alongside an increase in ship calls.
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Source: The Maritime Executive.
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