The Norwegian government’s new salary scheme for seafarers, which came into effect over the weekend, means companies employing Norwegian seafarers on NIS vessels will be reimbursed all added salary taxes, a move welcomed by many local owners including Odfjell.
“The maritime industry is an important driving force in the Norwegian economy. This is an industry where Norway has leading competence. It is important to provide competitive conditions in order to ensure that Norwegian seafarers retain this competence in the future”, Norwegian minister of trade and industry, Monica Mæland, commented.
Odfjell Tankers senior vice president Harald Fotland, said in a release: “This is very good news not only for Norwegian seafarers, but also for the broad Norwegian shipping industry, for the Norwegian maritime cluster, and for Odfjell with our large contingent of Norwegian seafarers in international trade”.
Two years ago, the government implemented a new regime for Norwegian cadets. Odfjell is among the local owners enrolling a selection of cadets for a trial period in 2017/18.
“I believe that a competitive shipping industry is crucial for the vitality of the broader local trade industry in a demanding international market,” Fotland said. “I also believe that the new government initiated salary scheme will lead to increased interest in the Norwegian International Register, as the Norwegian flag is a prerequisite for qualifying.”
