As part of Norway’s efforts to counter the shadow fleet, the authorities launched a temporary scheme on 11 August 2025 for the voluntary collection of insurance information from foreign-flagged oil tankers operating in the Norwegian Economic Zone (NEZ). The scheme will initially run for six months, until February 2026.

The Norwegian Coastal Administration (NCA) and the Norwegian Maritime Authority have been tasked with implementing the initiative. The NCA, through the Vardø Vessel Traffic Service Centre, contacts all foreign-flagged oil tankers entering the NEZ and requests the voluntary submission of a CLC certificate (Civil Liability Certificate). The certificate can be sent as a copy via email to the NCA. If the vessel does not have access to email, the certificate number may be provided via VHF radio or AIS.

Oil tankers calling at Norwegian ports or simply transiting the southern part of the NEZ on an eastbound route, are generally not contacted.

If the vessel submits the information, the NCA registers the validity of the certificate. The vessel will not be contacted again unless there are changes in flag state, ownership or other factors that may affect the certificate’s validity.

The NCA shares the received information with the Norwegian Maritime Authority, which verifies it against the flag state. Any discrepancies are regularly reported to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, which then follows up with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

A Civil Liability Certificate (CLS) is a document issued by a state confirming that a ship has valid insurance or financial security to cover liability for oil pollution damage, in accordance with international conventions.