Minister of Fisheries and the Oceans, Marianne Sivertsen Næss, underscored the significance of the subsidy scheme aimed at supporting the employment of seafarers, noting its role in positioning Norway as one of Europe’s leading nations in maritime workforce. She emphasized that by expanding the scheme to include more EEA-registered vessels, the government is aligning its regulations with contemporary EEA standards.
Næss highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong Norwegian focus within the scheme, asserting that it plays a vital role in preserving maritime expertise and job opportunities in Norway. The Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Fisheries has announced that the revised regulations are set to take effect on September 1, 2026. This update will be presented to the EFTA Surveillance Authority for approval as part of a new ten-year plan.
Currently, the scheme supports around 14,100 seafarers and covers approximately 650 ships registered under the Norwegian flag. To facilitate stakeholder feedback, the ministry has designated a consultation period that will conclude on March 9.
