The vote in the Norwegian Parliament that resulted in the suspension of the CO2 tax has been welcomed by the country’s fishing sector.
‘I am very pleased that the majority of the Storting voted in favor of removing the CO2 tax for the fishing fleet, albeit temporarily,’ said Christian Halstensen, chairman of vessel operator’s federation Fiskebåt.
‘This is an issue that Fiskebåt has been at the forefront of and has worked on together with others for a long time.’
He commented that contrary to some claims, taking out the CO2 tax is expected to result in a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
‘Some have expressed concern that a cut in fees will lead to increased emissions. I can reassure you that this does not apply to the fishing fleet,’ he said.
‘On the contrary, calculations show that greenhouse gas emissions from our fleet will be reduced by 80,000 tonnes of CO2, as a result of the fleet bunkering in Norway and not having to steam to a foreign ports in order to be able to fish on equal terms as the EU fleet. The fact that it also stimulates the landing of fish to Norwegian processors, and that it secures the bunkering facilities along the coast at a time when preparedness is crucial, can only be seen as a bonus.’
