Under the Norwegian flag, you'll never sail alone

COMMENTARY: Norway has over a thousand years of maritime history, and the Norwegian flag today holds a position as a symbol of safety, quality and responsibility. We are one of the world’s largest and most respected maritime nations. 

Norway as a flag State ranks highly on the quality lists of major port State control regimes (Paris MoU, Tokyo MoU and USCG). This shows that Norwegian-flagged vessels operating across the world’s oceans maintain exceptionally high safety standards. 

Never alone at sea 

The Norwegian flag and Norway’s world-class maritime cluster are recognised as global leaders in advanced technology and green shipping. The world looks to us and our solutions. The maritime cluster is one of our greatest competitive advantages, contributing to both supply chain resilience and national security.  

Flying the Norwegian flag guarantees that you are never alone in turbulent times – you have the world’s most reliable maritime support behind you. The flag represents the entire Norwegian maritime community, including consulates in 164 countries. We always find solutions to the challenges the shipping industry faces. 

In addition to safety, environmental protection and operational support, there are many advantages to choosing the Norwegian flag and the Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA).  

Among them are: 

• Round-the-clock support 

• Strong maritime expertise 

• Advanced digital solutions and electronic certificates 

• Grant schemes to safeguard Norwegian maritime skills and competitive conditions 

A proud history, a strong future 

We have much to be proud of in Norway. The long history of Norwegian shipping continues, and we have a responsibility to live up to it as we shape the future of the industry.  

This is a task that the NMA – and I, as the Director General of Shipping and Navigation – take very seriously. 

I am immensely proud of the Norwegian flag, our maritime cluster and, of course, all the talented colleagues I work with at the NMA.  

Together, we strive to remain the “preferred maritime administration” and to ensure that the Norwegian flag continues to be a quality flag for years to come. 

Bringing seafarers home safely 

Looking ahead, we will place particular focus on the national plan for maritime safety (Zero Vision). By working closely with the industry to further strengthen safety, we aim to ensure that all our skilled seafarers return safely home to their families. 

We will also help improve working and living conditions for seafarers and ensure that the skills of those on board evolve in line with developments in the maritime sector. Above all, we are committed to reducing instances of bullying and harassment at sea.  

Furthermore, we will remain a proactive and competent partner in new technologies and green energy carriers. Together with the industry, we will identify safe, environmentally friendly and practical solutions.

International influence 

We will continue to strengthen our expertise, deliver advanced digital solutions and maintain our position as a world-leading and attractive maritime administration.  

Norway’s active participation in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is critical to ensuring that Norwegian solutions and innovations can set international standards.  

My ambition is for Norway to become the world’s leading maritime administration. In ten years, I hope we can look back and say we have achieved it: that we ensured seafarers returned safely home to their loved ones, that we delivered solutions for a safe green transition, and that Norway’s maritime cluster and the Norwegian flag remain world-leading, respected and admired.