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The history of the NMA

The NMA's history

  • Established as the Maritime Office. Earlier that year, the Seaworthiness Act was introduced (not replaced until 2007).

    The first Director General of Shipping was Magnus Andersen. He also founded Norges Handels- og Sjøfartstidende, now Dagens Næringsliv.

  • The Maritime Office, as well as its own shipping department, maritime department, three seamen's offices, and the Office of Navigation and Engineers, are established in the Ministry of Trade.

  • The Maritime Office is subordinate to the Ministry of Trade and Shipping.

  • The NMA brought together the maritime administration with the Maritime Office, the Office of Navigation and Engineers, and the Ship Measurement Office.

  • After the establishment of NIS in 1987, it was decided to close down the Norwegian Seamen's Directorate.

  • After the discontinuation of "Velferden" and the repeal of the Act on Enrolment Service, the Norwegian Maritime Directorate will take over responsibility for the welfare service for seafarers.

  • The NMA is subordinate to the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

  • On 12 September 2005, it is decided that the head office will be moved from Oslo to Haugesund. The NMA is one of many state inspections that are being moved from Oslo to different parts of the country.

    On 1 November 2006, the doors will open for the new office in Smedasundet 50.

  • On 1 January 2012, the Ship Register in Bergen will be merged with the Norwegian Maritime Directorate. The goal is to establish a unified maritime administration that is well suited to meet society's requirements for safety, the environment and service in the shipping area.