Vessels

Environment

Shipping is a significant and positive contributor to sustainable development. 90 per cent of the global trade is transported on keel, so shipping makes a very important contribution to global trade and financial progress, but has relatively little negative impact on the global environment. Shipping is the most environmentally friendly form of transport, but due to its large scale, this industry still represents a number of environmental challenges. Both in Norway and abroad, continuous efforts are therefore being made to limit pollution and any other harmful effects of the shipping industry.

Wreck removal certificates Norway has entered into an agreement with Denmark concerning the issuance of wreck removal certificates according to the Nairobi Convention.

Prevention of pollution from ships Shipping represents a significant and positive contribution to a sustainable development.

Scrapping of ships Every year, between 600 and 700 ships are scrapped. The largest shipbreaking countries are China, India, Bangladesh, Turkey and Pakistan. There are two major problems associated with shipbreaking as it is carried out today: dangerous working conditions and environmental pollution.

Polar shipping and the Polar Code Shipping in polar regions is a topic that is becoming more and more relevant due to the melting ice around the poles, which provides new opportunities for commercial shipping in these areas. The Polar Code entered into force 1 January 2017. This also means that necessary amendments and additions to our national legislation were made applicable.

IMO's environmental efforts Over a number of years, the IMO has adopted a wide range of measures to prevent and control pollution caused by ships and to limit the consequences of any damage that may occur as a result of maritime operations and accidents. Of the 51 treaties adopted by the IMO so far, 21 are directly related to the environment.

Port waste management To secure a cleaner environment, it is essential that waste produced on board can be delivered safely when the vessel arrives at port.

New environmental requirements for ships 400 GT and above From 1 November 2022, new regulations for energy efficiency on ships came into force. The requirements apply from 1 January 2023.