The FuelEU Maritime regulation will not enter into force in Norway on January 1, 2026, after the Norwegian Maritime Authority said it could not secure the necessary clarifications between the EEA/EFTA states and the EU in time, according to an update published by the Norwegian Maritime Authority.

The Authority said efforts were made to allow for the regulation to apply in Norway from 1 January 2026. 

However, it has not been possible to obtain the necessary clarifications between the EEA/EFTA states and with the EU to enable the regulation to take effect in Norway on that date.

Entry into force is now expected later in 2026, with a more detailed timetable to be communicated once confirmed.

The decision follows a notice issued on December 12 in which the Authority warned the maritime industry that FuelEU Maritime could take effect in Norway at very short notice, potentially as early as 1 January 2026, after public consultations on the necessary amendments to Norwegian legislation had been completed.

The Norwegian Maritime Authority said earlier in December that an early start could offer technical and operational benefits for the maritime industry, but also acknowledged that uncertainty regarding the exact entry-into-force date may pose challenges.

Regulation (EU) 2023/1805 (FuelEU Maritime) entered into force in the EU on January 1, 2025.

The Authority said it will provide updates on its website once a more detailed timeline has been confirmed.