The Norwegian government proposes a ban on heavy-fuel oil for all vessels sailing to and around Svalbard. The ban shall apply to all of Svalbard’s waters, including those outside the protected areas.

The Ministry of Climate and Environment now sends the proposal out on a public hearing.

Heavy-fuel oil emissions may cause significant damage in the Arctic due to vulnerable ecosystems and how heavy-fuel oil acts in low temperatures and ice.

Heavy-fuel oil is already banned from the protected zone areas in Svalbard.