Norwegian Government proposes changes to seafarer subsidy scheme

Minister of Fisheries and the Oceans Marianne Sivertsen Næss said, “The subsidy scheme for the employment of seafarers is an important instrument in shipping policy and has contributed to Norway being among the countries in Europe with the most seafarers.”

She stated that by opening the scheme to seafarers on more EEA-registered ships, the government is bringing the regulations into line with current EEA guidelines.

Næss added that it is, "crucial that the scheme continues to have a clear Norwegian anchoring and contributes to securing maritime expertise and employment in Norway."

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries stated that new regulations are scheduled to enter into force on September 1, 2026. It noted that the scheme is expected to be notified to the EFTA Surveillance Authority for a new 10-year period. At this time, the scheme covers approximately 14,100 seafarers and 650 ships under the Norwegian flag.

The ministry has set the a March 9 deadline for the consultation period.