The Port of Oslo has introduced a new fee structure designed to reward vessels that cut emissions, offering the strongest incentives to ships that arrive and depart the harbour using zero-emission propulsion. According to the port authority, vessels operating emission-free at Steilene, a small island in the inner Oslofjord, will receive a 100% exemption on quay fees under the revised system.

As stated by Oslo Havn, cargo vessels that connect to the port’s established shore-power facilities will be granted a 20% reduction in quay fees, while additional discounts will apply to ships that achieve qualifying scores on environmental indices.

The port will use the Environmental Port Index (EPI) for cruise ships and the Environmental Ship Index (ESI) for all other vessel types. Under Oslo’s tariff framework, ESI scores above 40 points qualify for a 30% discount, and scores between 30 and 40 receive 10%. At the same time, the port is discontinuing its previous 20% scheduled-traffic discount, shifting financial incentives toward operators that actively reduce emissions.

"Choosing zero-emission solutions should pay off. Oslo Port has invested heavily in green measures such as shore power and rewards those who take environmental responsibility," said Port Director Ingvar M. Mathisen.

The port aims to reduce its own emissions by 85% by 2030, while the city of Oslo targets a 95% reduction across all sectors by the same year. The port's long-term goal is to become emission-free.

Since 2018, Port of Oslo has invested NOK 225 million ($21 million) in zero-emission infrastructure, supported by approximately NOK 94 million from Enova, Norway's state enterprise for promoting energy transition. These investments have reduced emissions from port activities by 26%, from 47,700 tonnes of CO₂ in 2017 to 35,000 tonnes in 2024.

Additionally, a major 16 MW shore-power facility for cruise ships at Filipstad is under development, supported by Enova. The port has also received Enova funding to construct shore-power connections for tankers and CO₂ ships for Northern Lights at Tankskiputstikkeren, with completion targeted for 2025. This would give every large vessel calling at Oslo access to shore power.

To support zero-emission logistics on land, Norway’s largest public fast-charging station for heavy transport has been established at Grønlia, featuring multiple 300 kW high-power connection points.

"Oslo Port delivers across the entire transport chain — not just to ships. Together with the city and our customers, we invest in zero-emission transport solutions — both at sea and on land — to create sustainable corridors between Oslo and Europe," Mathisen said.

Commercial Director Einar Marthinussen said the port is changing its approach to incentives. "We are changing previous discounts for scheduled traffic to reward ships that cut emissions. Cargo ships using shore power will receive a 20% discount. The goal is to promote environmentally friendly sea transport," he said.

The Port of Oslo also stated that additional measures are needed to reach its targets, including the adoption of alternative fuels, the development of green transport corridors, and improved charging infrastructure.

"We aim to be the world's most environmentally friendly city port. That's why we continue to invest in green solutions and promote emission cuts to ensure Oslo is a pioneer city for sustainable sea transport," Mathisen said.

Port of Oslo handles the majority of seaborne consumer goods, vehicles, and construction materials, supplying the Oslo metropolitan area.