Norway has introduced mandatory zero-emission operating rules for passenger vessels sailing in its World Heritage fjords, tightening environmental requirements on some of the country’s most sensitive cruise routes.

Since 1 January 2026, all passenger ships below 10,000 GT must operate without direct CO₂ or methane emissions when navigating Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord. From 1 January 2032, the same obligation will extend to vessels of 10,000 GT and above.

The rules apply whether ships operate solely within the fjords or only transit them, with responsibility for compliance resting with shipping companies. Operators are also required to connect to shore power where compatible infrastructure is available in fjord ports to reduce emissions while alongside.

Technology-neutral approach

The regulation allows flexibility in how shipowners meet the zero-emission requirement. Acceptable solutions may include battery-electric systems, green hydrogen, green ammonia and other fuels that satisfy the regulatory definition.

Limited quantities of conventional “pilot fuel” may still be used where needed for ignition, such as diesel used to initiate ammonia combustion. Where alternative fuels generate nitrous oxide, vessels must apply best available technology to control these emissions.

Fuel certification requirements

To qualify as zero-emission fuel, renewable fuels of non-biological origin must achieve at least a 70% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions under EU methodologies, with verification that renewable electricity is used in production.

Biogas is permitted as an alternative option, including beyond 2032, provided it meets defined emissions-reduction thresholds, is not produced from food or feed crops, is bunkered shortly before entering the fjords and is kept separate from fossil fuels until use. Certification linked to gas grid mass balance systems will not be accepted.

The regulatory position on liquid biofuels remains unclear, as the rules specifically reference biogas under EU renewable energy definitions. Other fuels, such as blue hydrogen, must demonstrate the required greenhouse gas reductions under the FuelEU Maritime frameworks.

Documentation and enforcement

Ships must carry on board evidence demonstrating compliance with sustainability and emissions-reduction criteria, including recognised fuel certification, bunker delivery notes, and any additional documentation required under EU regulations.

Failure to comply may lead to administrative measures or fines under Norway’s Ship Safety and Security Act. The framework does not require direct measurement of ship emissions; instead, it presumes compliance when approved fuels and control technologies are used.

Temporary exemptions

The Norwegian Maritime Authority may grant temporary exemptions for individual passenger ships below 10,000 GT, but only under strict conditions.

These include continuous operation in the World Heritage fjords since 2024, full compliance with other operational rules, proof that shore power access is the sole barrier to zero-emission operation, and a credible plan to secure such access. Any exemption may run for up to two years at a time and cannot extend beyond 31 December 2029.

Guidance on the new requirements has been issued by Lloyd’s Register through its Class News service.