Høyre proposes removing CO2 tax for Norwegian fishing fleet

The Norwegian political party Høyre has proposed the removal of the CO2 tax on fuel for the fishing fleet. Erlend Svardal Bøe, a Member of Parliament for Høyre, argues that the current tax is counterproductive because viable green fuel alternatives for deep-sea fishing vessels are currently limited.

Bøe contends that high fuel costs make it less profitable for vessels to operate in distant fishing grounds, which could lead Norwegian ships to avoid remote areas. He frames this not only as poor economic policy but also as a security risk, noting that the presence of Norwegian fishing vessels is vital for asserting sovereignty and maintaining a presence in the northern waters during a period of heightened regional security.

While Høyre’s proposal for the 2026 alternative state budget was opposed by the Labor Party (Arbeiderpartiet) and the Centre Party (Senterpartiet), the party intends to pursue the removal of the tax during the 2027 budget deliberations next autumn. The party maintains that while emissions must be cut, the tools used must align with the actual technological alternatives available to the industry.