- Norwegian maritime industry is to be the world`s most environmentally sound

The Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Dag Terje Andersen, presented today the Norwegian government’s maritime strategy. The strategy sets out the government’s plan for further development and growth of the Norwegian maritime sector.

- The Government’s vision is that Norway will continue to be a world-leading maritime nation. The Norwegian maritime industry will provide the most innovative and environmentally friendly solutions for the future, Mr Dag Terje Andersen says.

The maritime strategy will be supported by a government allocation of 252 million Norwegian kroner (NOK) in the 2008 Budget for research, innovation and efforts to improve competence and skills in the maritime sector. This is an increase of 100 million NOK from 2007. The net wage scheme for seafarers will be continued. The Norwegian Government has announced that it will propose a new tax regime for Norwegian shipping companies. The proposed tax regime will be similar to tax regimes available for the shipping industry in the European Union.

The Government’s maritime strategy highlights five main challenges facing the maritime sector: Globalisation and national policies; environmentally sustainable maritime industries; maritime competence; maritime research and innovation; and short sea shipping. 

- Environmentally sound growth is a main priority in the strategy. The Norwegian maritime industry shall be the world’s most environmentally friendly and shall be in front in developing new and innovative solutions, says the Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Dag Terje Andersen.

The Government will strive to avoid tax competition in the maritime sector, to promote environmentally friendly solutions, competence, research and innovation, and to safeguard the working conditions of the seafarers. The Government will furthermore strive for Norwegian short sea shipping to become more environmentally sound and a competitive alternative to road transport.

Amongst the measures presented in the maritime strategy are:

• The proposal of a new tax regime for Norwegian shipping companies similar to the tax regimes available for the industry in the European Union
• Continuation of the net wage scheme for seafarers
• Allocations for maritime research and innovation to be increased by NOK 60 million in the Budget for 2008. NOK 25 million are allocated to upgrade maritime research infrastructure at MARINTEK. NOK 25 million are allocated to environmental projects in the maritime industry and development of the short sea shipping fleet
• Allocation of NOK 37 million to ensure Norwegian maritime competence in the Budget for 2008
• Efforts within the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to achieve reductions of NOx emissions from ships, and to phase out the use of heavy grade oil
• Marketing of the Norwegian International Ship Register (NIS) to be increased by NOK 3 million in the Budget for 2008

The governing parties’ Soria Moria declaration points out the Norwegian maritime sector as one of five policy areas to be given particular attention and effort. The maritime cluster is more complete in Norway than when compared to many other maritime nations, and this provides advantageous conditions for specialized Norwegian maritime competence and a potential for innovation. The Norwegian maritime sector includes shipping, shipyards, ship’s gear producers and service providers.

The Norwegian government’s maritime strategy is available in Norwegian.