Norway Allows Cruise Ships In World Heritage 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.

Small Ships Must Be Zero-Emission

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.”

More Time For Technology Development

The Norwegian Parliament has decided that zero-emission requirements for tourist ships and ferries must be implemented by 2026, but that changes are required to ensure that ports within the World Heritage fjords don’t lose out on important tourist traffic.

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

Ports within the area—including world-famous cruising destinations like Flåm and Geiranger—rely on tourism and especially on cruise traffic as a major driver of their economies. The requirements will now be implemented gradually, as parliament “accepts the technology for larger ships is not yet sufficiently advanced.”

Minister of climate and environment Andreas Bjelland Eriksen said it was important to find a solution that “follows up on parliament’s decision on zero emissions in the World Heritage fjords, stimulates technological development, takes into account the tourism industry in the ports of call, and provides sufficient predictability for the industry.”

To meet the zero-emission requirement, smaller ships will be permitted to use biogas. Biogas is a renewable energy source produced from organic materials, such as agricultural waste, manure, municipal waste, plant material, sewage, green waste, or food waste.

To maintain critical local transport services, local ferries will temporarily be exempt from the zero-emission requirement.

There will also be a requirement to use shore power where available. As such, parliament also decided that the state should fund the establishment of shore power in Flåm.

Strong Criticism From Havila

While the global cruise industry and passengers alike will no doubt welcome the news, not every travel company is pleased. In particular Norway’s Havila Voyages described the move as a “scandal” for the government’s environmental efforts.

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.

A Boost For Norwegian Fjords Cruises

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.