Ships registered in the Norwegian International Ship Register (NIS) may apply for grants based on their payments of Norwegian advance tax deductions, social security contributions and employer’s contributions. The purpose of the grant scheme is to safeguard Norwegian maritime competence and the recruitment of Norwegian seafarers, as well as ensure competitive framework conditions for the companies. There are two different grant schemes for ships in the NIS.

Grants for ships in the NIS

The company will receive grants equivalent to 26% of their paid Norwegian advance tax deductions, social security contributions and employer’s contributions for each employee entitled to grants.

In this scheme, an addition is given for training positions.

  • Junior officers: Addition of 100% of the grant
    (The total grant will then be: 26% multiplied by 2)
  • Cadets: Addition of 50%
    (The total grant will then be: 26% multiplied by 1.5)
  • Trainees: Addition of 150%
    (The total grant will then be 26% multiplied by 2.5)

Grants for construction vessels in the NIS

The company may receive grants equivalent to 34,666 NOK per term based on their paid Norwegian advance tax deductions, social security contributions and employer’s contributions for each employee entitled to grants.

In order to receive grants from this scheme, the company must have on average two training positions per ship. It is possible to apply for exemption from the requirement for training positions.

Regulation

Grants for the employment of employees at sea (No. No. 204 of 26 February 2016)