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Shifting the Balance: How Maritime and Logistics Companies Can Influence Sustainable Transport Policy
Norway's extensive coastline offers an untapped potential for maritime transport, but current policies and cost structures heavily favor road freight, despite its higher environmental impact and road maintenance costs. While the Norwegian National Transport Plan (NTP) 2022–2033 acknowledges the need for increased maritime infrastructure, there’s a glaring disparity that must be addressed: the cost burden on maritime transport is significantly higher than on road transport.
The Cost Imbalance That’s Holding Maritime Back
Consider this: a truck can pay road tolls and fees and still move seamlessly across various infrastructures—roads, ports, and terminals. In contrast, a vessel operating in Norway faces port fees that can range anywhere from NOK 1,000 to NOK 8,000 per port call. For breakbulk vessels using Keelspot, the marginal cost per port call can skyrocket to NOK 15,000-20,000 (€1,300 to €1,700). This disparity not only disincentivizes maritime transport but also limits its potential as a viable alternative to road freight.
Furthermore, despite long-standing governmental ambitions to shift 30% of road transport over 300 km to sea and rail by 2030, the reality is starkly different. According to a report by NRK, the majority of goods from Europe still arrive in Norway by road, contributing to increased road wear and tear, congestion, and CO2 emissions. The current trajectory shows that 70% of future transport growth will come from road freight, a trend that is not sustainable.
Clear Actions for a Sustainable Shift
If we are serious about shifting freight from road to sea, a few decisive actions are necessary:
- Implement a Unified Transport Fee System: Just as trucks pay tolls for road use, vessels should be subject to a standardized and fair fee structure across roads, ports, and terminals. This would reduce the financial barriers currently making sea transport less competitive.
- Subsidize Maritime Operations: The government should explore state-funded subsidies for port operations, similar to those benefiting road transport. This would make it easier and cheaper for vessels to operate, encouraging more companies to consider maritime options.
- Reduce Marginal Costs for Vessels: The current NOK 15,000-20,000 (€1,300–1,700) marginal cost per port call must be reduced. Redistributing existing road toll revenue to support maritime infrastructure could alleviate this burden, making maritime transport a more attractive option.
The Broader Benefits
Making these changes isn’t just about fairness; it’s about reaping tangible benefits for Norway:
- Reduced Road Wear and Tear: Shifting freight to maritime will significantly reduce road maintenance costs.
- Lower Accident Rates: Fewer trucks on the road mean fewer accidents and safer roads for everyone.
- Environmental Gains: Maritime transport produces far fewer emissions per ton-kilometer compared to road transport, making it a cornerstone of Norway's environmental strategy.
A Call to Action
The time for action is now. The current system is not only unfair but also unsustainable if we aim to meet our climate goals. Norway has the opportunity to lead by example in creating a balanced, efficient, and sustainable transport system. For a deeper understanding of how the National Transport Plan supports these initiatives, you can view the full document: Nasjonal transportplan 2025–2036.
