FuelEU Maritime may become applicable in Norway earlier than previously expected. The authorities are now considering an entry into force as early as the turn of the year. The Norwegian Maritime Authority will update the industry as soon as a decision is made.

REGULATORY CONTEXT: Regulation (EU) 2023/1805 (FuelEU Maritime) entered into force in the EU on 1 January 2025. The Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) has completed public consultations on the necessary amendments to Norwegian legislation.

• See more information here: Consultation and implementation status for FuelEU Maritime

Norway has worked to ensure simultaneous entry into force of the Regulation in the EEA/EFTA states and the EU member states, but has so far not succeeded in securing its incorporation into the EEA Agreement. 

Norwegian authorities have previously indicated that the incorporation process would not be completed until 2026, with a likely entry into force sometime during the spring. The NMA now wishes to inform stakeholders that there is a real possibility that FuelEU Maritime could take effect in Norway at very short notice – potentially as early as 1 January 2026. 

The NMA, in cooperation with the Ministry of Climate and Environment (KLD), has jointly concluded that it is necessary to notify affected parties at this stage, despite the considerable uncertainty surrounding the final outcome.

A potential 1 January start date would provide both technical and operational benefits for the maritime industry. As this may occur on short notice, the NMA considers it important to highlight the possibility early.

Uncertainty regarding the exact entry-into-force date may pose challenges. The NMA will provide updates through its channels as soon as it is confirmed whether the Regulation will become applicable from 1 January 2026.