Norwegian parties agree to extend CO2 exemption for fishing vessels, with industry warning it remains vital for coastal economy. Photo: Norges Sildesalgslag
Budget Deal Secures CO2 Exemption Continuation
Norway’s Labour Party, Centre Party and Red Party have reached a late-stage budget agreement to continue the CO2 exemption for fishing vessels operating in foreign trade, a move the fishing industry says is critical for coastal communities.
The agreement was concluded late on Saturday evening after the Socialist Left Party and the Green Party withdrew from negotiations. Under the compromise, the government commits to maintaining the fishing fleet’s right to bunker fuel under the same arrangements as vessels in foreign trade, at least until a promised review of climate measures affecting the fishing sector is completed.
Fishing Industry Claims Victory After Talks
Audun Maråk, CEO of Fiskebåt, welcomed the outcome and said it reflected proposals the organisation submitted during the final phase of negotiations. Audun Maråk, CEO of Fiskebåt, said it was “very positive” that Labour, the Centre Party and the Red Party stood behind the compromise.
He said Fiskebåt had held meetings with the Centre Party, including with chief negotiator Bjørn Arild Gram, and credited the party with securing the exemption in what he described as difficult budget talks. Maråk also acknowledged the role played by Labour and the Red Party in backing the deal.
Coastal Economy And Preparedness Highlighted
The continued ability for fishing vessels to bunker as ships in foreign trade is seen by the fishing industry as strategically important. Maråk argued the exemption underpins emergency preparedness, supports maritime service industries along the coast, and ensures consistent deliveries of fish to Norwegian processing plants.
He also said the arrangement is significant for maintaining fair competition conditions for both the fishing fleet and coastal bunkering facilities. According to Fiskebåt, extending the exemption will also help ensure a more effective compensation scheme for vessel groups unable to benefit directly from the CO2 exemption.
Parliamentary Approval Still Required
Maråk said Fiskebåt expects the exemption to survive the parliamentary process, pointing to what he described as broad political agreement on the issue. He said the industry assumes the Storting will endorse the budget compromise when it is formally considered.
Meta description: Norwegian parties agree to extend CO2 exemption for fishing vessels, with industry warning it remains vital for coastal economy.
