Norway Fjord Cruise Operator Says Delay to Emission Rules Is a ‘Scandal’
Photo Credit: Geirangerfjord in Norway, where high emission cruise ships face bans. Photo by Hannelie Botha
Skift Take
Norway’s new fjord rules show how tourism and regulation can collide, and maybe even collaborate, to drive environmental change.
Norway’s new emissions rules for cruise ships have received a mixed reaction from operators already sailing with cleaner technology: They say the government may be letting bigger polluters off the hook.
The country’s long planned zero-emissions mandate for ships entering its iconic fjords begins in 2026. But it now only applies to vessels under 10,000 tons. Larger ships won’t have to comply until 2032.
“This postponement from the government is a scandal. The authorities gave us industry players many years to develop solutions, and we delivered,” said Lasse Vangstein, chief communications and sustainability officer at Havila Voyages.
"We do not agree that this is as difficult as many players in the industry make it out to be. We understand that it may be challenging for the very large cruise ships, but there are alternative solutions that don’t have to come at the expense of tourist inflow or value creation in the World Heritage areas," Vang
