Interim solution for cruise ships in the World Heritage fjords

#NordicNews on ship traffic and Norway

Norwegian Maritime Directorate draws up transitional regime for cruise ships

From 2026, only emission-free ferries and tourist ships will be allowed to sail in the five fjords Nærøyfjorden, Aurlandsfjorden, Geirangerfjorden, Sunnylvsfjorden and Tafjorden. These fjords are World Heritage Sites.

The Norwegian Maritime Directorate is now working on an interim solution on how to implement the zero emissions requirement. A set of regulations has been submitted for consultation. An interim regulation is intended to continue to allow calls by cruise ships.

Specific regulations are envisaged concerning the emission of the greenhouse gases carbon dioxide and methane, as well as the use of new technologies. However, operators sailing in the fjords are to take responsibility themselves in the first instance.

From 1 January 2026, things will get serious. In order for municipalities and other affected parties to be able to prepare, a transitional regime will be introduced. The special regulations allow the use of biogas under certain conditions.

More on the interim solutions.

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