Norway Extends Permission for Cruise Ships in World Heritage Fjords Until 2032

Large cruise ships will be able to visit the most famous Norwegian fjords until 2032.

Since 2018, the clock has been ticking for cruise ships sailing in the world-famous Norwegian fjords. Back then, a government decision was made that would prevent all except zero-emission vessels from sailing in the World Heritage fjords by 2026.

However, with major cruise lines’ Norway itineraries for 2026 already featuring alternate ports, the Norwegian government has changed course. Implementation of the ruling will be delayed by six years, essentially giving cruise lines more than seven years until the ban begins.

In a press release (only available in Norwegian), the government explains that the initial ruling still applies to tourist ships and ferries under 10,000 gross tonnes.

Given that even small cruise ships have a gross tonnage of at least double that figure, the ruling essentially only applies to passenger ferries and sightseeing vessels. Such vessels must be zero-emission from January 1, 2026, although many operating in the fjords already are.

For larger ships, including some of the world’s biggest cruise ships that regularly visit the Norwegian fjords, the requirement will come into effect on January 1, 2032.

The announcement comes after a long period of consultation with relevant industries on exactly how the 2018 decision should be implemented.

A spokesperson from Stranda Port Authority praised the government’s new approach: “Strict environmental requirements are well balanced with the actual technological development. The minister has listened to the feedback from the entire industry.”

The Norwegian Parliament has mandated that by 2026, tourist ships and ferries must adhere to zero-emission standards. However, amendments are necessary to ensure that ports located in the World Heritage fjords continue to attract essential tourist traffic.

The UNESCO World Heritage fjord area comprises the Aurlandsfjord, Geirangerfjord, Nærøyfjord, Sunnylvsfjord, and Tafjord.

Tourism, particularly from cruise ships, plays a huge role in the economy of ports like Flåm and Geiranger within these fjords. Due to technological limitations in larger ship designs, the implementation of these zero-emission standards will be phased in gradually, as acknowledged by the parliament.

The Minister of Climate and Environment, Andreas Bjelland Eriksen, emphasized the importance of a plan that aligns with the parliamentary decision on zero emissions in World Heritage fjords, fosters technological innovation, considers the tourism industries of affected ports, and ensures predictability for the sector.

To adhere to zero-emission standards, smaller maritime vessels will be authorized to utilize biogas. This sustainable energy is generated from organic substances like agricultural remnants, manure, municipal garbage, plant matter, sewage, green waste, and leftover food.

In order to support essential local travel infrastructure, regional ferries will be granted a temporary exemption from the zero-emission mandates.

Additionally, there is a newly implemented rule for the use of shore power wherever it is accessible. Consequently, the parliament has concluded that governmental support will be provided to set up shore power facilities in Flåm.

Although the global cruise sector and its clientele might appreciate this development, it has not received unanimous endorsement from all touring agencies. Specifically, Norway’s Havila Voyages criticized the policy, labeling it a “scandal” in relation to the government’s environmental initiatives.

Havila Capella is one of four new ships from Havila Voyages that are capable of running with zero-emissions for up to four hours.

The company—which operates coastal cruise ferries on Norway’s historic coastal express route—has invested huge sums of money in new vessels capable of operating with zero-emissions in the fjords.

Havila Voyages CEO Bent Martini said the government’s decision favors commercial interests over genuine environmental action, describing it as “a victory for those who didn’t dare to invest in a greener future.”

Martini emphasized that the use of biogas is not a true zero-emission solution but rather climate-neutral. He expressed concern that this delay undermines the significant investments made by companies like Havila Voyages, which had already committed substantial resources to meet the original 2026 deadline.

Additionally, Martini warned that the decision could hinder the development of future green technologies, such as hydrogen projects, by removing the immediate demand for such innovations.

With very few cruise ships, if any, capable of meeting the requirements by 2026, cruise lines will surely now scramble to adapt their Norwegian fjords cruises for 2026 and beyond to include popular destinations in the Norwegian fjords.

Geiranger allows guests to experience the beautiful sail-in along the Geirangerfjord past historic farmsteads and beautiful waterfalls.

Meanwhile, Flåm offers the chance for cruise passengers to ride the world-famous Flåm Railway, often voted one of the world’s most beautiful railway journeys, and enjoy the sailing along the Aurlandsfjord.

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