# Norwegian fishing fleet CO2 tax debate

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/norwegian-fishing-fleet-co2-tax-debate
> Updated: 2026-09-01T08:23:38.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 3.

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.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-01: Seafood industry demands extension of CO2 tax exemption

Norway's seafood industry is demanding the extension of CO2 tax exemptions for the fishing fleet, warning that the expiration of the relief will increase food prices and weaken global competitiveness.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/seafood-industry-demands-extension-of-co2-tax-exemption

### 2026-08-27: Norges Fiskarlag meets with Norwegian Fisheries Minister

Norges Fiskarlag met with Norway's Fisheries Minister to advocate for the removal of the CO2 tax and discuss market access, marine protection, and the stability of the fishing industry.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/norges-fiskarlag-meets-with-norwegian-fisheries-minister

### 2026-08-23: Høyre proposes removing CO2 tax for Norwegian fishing fleet

Norway's Høyre party proposes removing the CO2 tax on the fishing fleet to protect industry competitiveness and maritime security in northern waters.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hyre-proposes-removing-co2-tax-for-norwegian-fishing-fleet

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Cite as: Norwegian fishing fleet CO2 tax debate. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/norwegian-fishing-fleet-co2-tax-debate