Yes thanks to cruise traffic – Expression

Bengt Waldow was able to cruise into the weekend with a power salvo against the Norwegian cruise industry on news Ytring. He should be seen in the first port. For over 150 years, Norwegian villages and towns have welcomed health cruise ships and passengers. Welcome to great experiences, welcome to invest that money to ensure value creation and jobs. To say that cruise guests are only a nuisance is a gross insult both to the guests and not least to all those who have cruise traffic as an important part of the income base. In the best seasons, more than 4 million passengers have been able to land in Norwegian ports. When the pandemic hit us, we saw how much tourism, including cruises, means. People missed the beautiful ships in the fjords, longing to see them back with handsome and strong-willed passengers on board. Now the traffic is on its way back. Not for fear and indignation, but for joy and benefit. The traffic comes not only to traditional cruise destinations, but also to new ports such as Nordfjordeid and Måløy. Everywhere, health is welcomed. Flåm is one of the major Norwegian cruise ports, with annual visits by around 150 ships. They add NOK 250 million, in the form of quay fees, trade and not least to local and regional activities and attractions. The cruise guests are here with the many other tourists. Together, they ensure great experience offers, innovation and investments for the future. Green transition is also necessary in the cruise industry, and we are in the process of doing so. The solution lies in new technology, stricter international requirements and electrification of the ports. Here, Norway is at the forefront. For the World Heritage fjords, the Storting has a goal of zero emissions, but still cruise activity. In Flåm and several other ports, differentiated environmental taxes and delimitation of daily traffic have been introduced. Plans for shore power and full electrification of the harbor are ready. These are investments that, of course, ensure that cruise traffic continues, as the Storting has approved. No one will argue that cruises are hassle-free. But winding up an entire industry is not the way to go at all.



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