Norwegian ships and mobile offshore units requested to fly flags at half-mast
The Norwegian Maritime Authority has received an official flag directive from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs requesting that all Norwegian ships and mobile offshore units fly their flags at half-mast.
Flag directive from the Ministry of Foreign affairs
Download a Norwegian version of the flag directive here
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs deeply regrets to announce that His Majesty King Harald V passed away today, 28 August 2026, at 06:35.
Following the death of His Majesty King Harald V, flags shall be flown at half-mast on all public buildings from today until after the funeral. Once the funeral has taken place, flags shall be raised to full mast.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has requested that the Norwegian Shipowners' Association and the Norwegian Maritime Authority notify all ships and mobile offshore units flying the Norwegian flag that they should fly their flags at half-mast until 15:30 Norwegian time on the day of the funeral.
Norwegian ships should otherwise follow the usual flag-flying practices that apply under normal circumstances, with the exception that, as mentioned above, the flag should be flown at half-mast when hoisted. The usual procedures for hoisting and lowering the flag should be followed.
Director General of Shipping and Navigation extends his condolences
The maritime industry has always maintained close ties to the Norwegian flag and the Royal Family.
"We received the news of His Majesty The King's passing with great sorrow. The King has been an important part of our nation's history and a unifying figure for the Norwegian people. He was also an active sailor with a strong interest in Norwegian seafarers and in the vital role of the maritime industry. Our thoughts are with the Royal Family at this difficult time," says Alf Tore Sørheim, Director General of Shipping and Navigation.