The Norwegian Government has changed its requirements for zero emissions in the world heritage fjords.
Originally, all cruise ships which were not net zero in emmissions would have been banned from 1st January, 2026, including ferries.
The government has also announced it will contribute funding for onshore power plants at Flåm.
From the beginning of January, 2026, the requirement for zero emissions now primarily applies to tourist ships and ferries under 10,000 gt. For larger ships, the date has been put back to 1st January, 2032.
“The goal is to take care of the spectacular fjords and create sustainable tourism. The requirement for zero emissions will contribute to technology development, lower emissions and secure the world heritage fjords as attractive tourist destinations,” said Norwegian Climate and Environment Minister, Andreas Bjelland Eriksen.
The western Norwegian fjord landscape is one of eight Norwegian areas on the UNESCO World Heritage list, which Norway has committed to managing in the best possible way.
These include five fjords – Nærøyfjorden, Aurlandsfjorden, Geirangerfjorden, Sunnylvsfjorden and Tafjorden.
The Government acknowledged that the cruise industry contributed to value creation along the coast, but at the same time caused large greenhouse gas emissions and pollution that affected the world heritage fjords.
The introduction of zero emission requirements will both drive technology and contribute to the development of zero emission solutions, which will benefit the entire industry.
A gradual phasing in of the requirement is necessary, since sufficient technology does not yet exist for the largest ships, the Government said. The Storting also decided that the state must ensure the establishment of onshore power in Flåm and the Government will contribute funding to this.
“It has been important for me to find a solution that follows up the Storting’s decision on zero emissions in the world heritage fjords, stimulates technology development, takes into account tourism in the ports of call and provides sufficient predictability for the industry. I believe we have now succeeded in this,” the Minister said.
In order to meet the zero emission requirement, ships can use biogas. There will also be requirements to use shore power where this is available.
The World Heritage West Norwegian Fjord Landscape comprises the sub-areas Geirangerfjorden and Nærøyfjorden and is one of around 1,000 areas on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
