UK extends Norwegian wellboat visa exemption by three years

The agreement has been crucial in enabling Norwegian wellboats to operate in British waters without the requirement for individual work visas for crew, and has ensured stable and predictable framework conditions for the wellboat industry after Brexit, said Norway's Coastal Shipping Companies (Kystrederiene) trade body in an update.

The organisation wrote that it has had an active dialogue with the UK Home Office for a long time, with the aim of ensuring the continuation of the exemption scheme. The work has taken place in close cooperation with the Norwegian authorities, and according to Kystrederiene, the matter has had high priority.

"In this context, Kystrederiene has had ongoing contact with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries (NFD), which has followed up the matter politically. NFD has also been in dialogue with the Norwegian Embassy in London to ensure good information flow and support a continuation of the agreement," said Kystrederiene.

Important predictability

The extension gives the wellboat shipping companies the necessary long-term perspective and predictability in planning operations in UK waters, and helps to ensure continued activity, value creation, and Norwegian maritime expertise in an important market.

Kystrederiene said it will follow up on the further implementation of the agreement and keep affected member shipping companies informed.