Introducing Zero-Emission Requirements in the World Heritage Fjords
News story | Date: 30/09/2024 | Ministry of Climate and Environment
The government is introducing zero-emission requirements in the World Heritage Fjords starting from January 1, 2026, for tourist ships and ferries. The government will also contribute funding for shore power facilities in Flåm.
"The goal is to preserve these spectacular fjords and promote sustainable tourism. The zero-emission requirement will drive technological development, reduce emissions, and ensure that the World Heritage fjords remain attractive tourist destinations," says Minister of Climate and Environment Andreas Bjelland Eriksen.
The zero-emission requirement will initially apply to tourist ships and ferries under 10,000 gross tons. These requirements will take effect from January 1, 2026. For larger ships, the requirement will apply from January 1, 2032.
The West Norwegian Fjords is one of eight Norwegian sites on UNESCO’s World Heritage list, which Norway is committed to managing in the best possible way. The World Heritage Fjords include the five fjords: Nærøyfjorden, Aurlandsfjorden, Geirangerfjorden, Sunnylvsfjorden, and Tafjorden. While the cruise industry contributes to economic growth along the coast, it also results in significant greenhouse gas emissions and pollution that affect the World Heritage Fjords. The introduction of zero-emission requirements will both drive technology and contribute to the development of zero-emission solutions that will benefit the entire industry.
The Norwegian Parliament has decided that zero-emission requirements for tourist ships and ferries shall be implemented by 2026, while ensuring that the World Heritage fjords continue to receive port calls. Since sufficient technology for the largest ships is not yet available, it is therefore necessary with a gradual introduction of these requirements. The Parliament also decided that the state should ensure the establishment of shore power in Flåm, and the government will contribute with funds for this purpose.
"It has been important for me to find a solution that follows up on the Parliament's decision on zero-emissions in the World Heritage fjords, stimulates technological development, takes into account the tourism industry in the ports, and provides sufficient predictability for the industry. I believe we have succeeded in this," says Minister of Climate and Environment Andreas Bjelland Eriksen.
To meet the zero-emission requirement, ships can also use biogas. There will be requirements for the use of shore power where it is available. To maintain the county's ferry services, the county’s ferry will temporarily be exempt from the zero-emission requirement.
The Ministry of Climate and Environment will continue working on implementing these requirements in the regulations.
The World Heritage West Norwegian Fjords include the areas of Geirangerfjorden and Nærøyfjorden and are among just over 1,000 sites on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. For more information, see the websites of the Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage and the UNESCO World Heritage Centre: West Norwegian Fjords - Riksantikvaren UNESCO World Heritage Centre - World Heritage List.