Norwegian fishing fleet CO2 tax debate

Debate has intensified in Norway regarding the proposed removal of the CO2 tax on fuel for the fishing fleet. The political party Høyre has advocated for the tax's abolition, arguing that the lack of viable green fuel alternatives for deep-sea vessels makes the current tax counterproductive. Erlend Svardal Bøe, a Member of Parliament for Høyre, suggested that high fuel costs could force vessels to avoid distant fishing grounds, which he framed as a security risk to Norwegian sovereignty in northern waters.

Following these political proposals, representatives from Norges Fiskarlag met with the Norwegian Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy. The organization urged the government to abolish the tax, claiming it undermines competitive conditions, coastal jobs, and value creation. Norges Fiskarlag noted existing support within the Storting for removing the tax in both offshore and coastal waters. The discussions also covered broader industry concerns, including international market access, marine protection, and the stability of framework conditions for the fishing sector.

As of September 1, a temporary exemption from CO2 taxes for the fishing fleet has expired, requiring vessels to once again pay taxes on mineral oil. Rates vary by location: 4.42 NOK per liter for near waters, 1.11 NOK per liter for distant waters, and 2.76 NOK per liter for vessels operating in both. Robert H. Eriksson, CEO of Sjømatbedriftene, warned that the tax increases costs across the entire value chain and argued that the industry lacks realistic alternatives to diesel, which could lead to increased bunkering in foreign countries.