Title: Cruises Face New Safety Regulations: Storms to Dictate Navigation
Cruises in Norwegian waters face stricter safety regulations, following the near-disastrous ordeal of the Viking Sky cruise ship in 2019. During a storm, the vessel lost all engine power, putting it seconds from grounding with 1,373 passengers on board. This alarming incident has led authorities to conclude that it’s nearly impossible to assist everyone in such emergencies, sparking changes in cruise regulations.
"We shouldn’t blindly allow an industry with such significant risks when there are relatively simple preventive measures available," said Haavard Stensvand, chief of the emergency services department in Vestland.
New Regulations Proposed
The Norwegian Coastal Administration has proposed regulations that include:
- Banned Navigation During Severe Storms: If weather forecasts predict severe storms, cruise ships over 150 meters long must not sail through hazardous sea areas. They must either take a detour or wait for safer weather conditions.
"These areas are challenging for large cruise ships, especially in rough weather. These proposals are a step in the right direction to secureيفي다는 단어를 쓸 漫画 degeroot:et på havet," said Arve Dimmen from the Norwegian Coastal Administration.
Potential Impacts
The proposed regulations can pose challenges for cruise ships operating on tight schedules. In 2023 alone, there were 136 days with winds exceeding 20 meters per second at Stad, one of the identified high-risk areas.
The cruise industry seemed cautious about the new proposals. None of the major cruise operators NRK contacted expressed immediate opinions on the matter. However, Carnival’s Norwegian destination manager, Sandra Diana Bratland, confirmed receipt of the proposals for review.
"We have noted the proposal, and it is now under consideration among our eight cruise lines that operate under the Carnival umbrella," said Bratland.
Stadig More Cruise Activity
Cruise tourism in Norway is growing, even during winter months when weather conditions are typically harsh. The largest cruise ships can accommodate over 7,000 passengers. The Viking Sky incident led to a comprehensive evaluation, with the current proposals being one of the recommendations in the Cruise Committee’s 2022 report.
Dimmen from the Norwegian Coastal Administration emphasized the cruise industry’s responsibility, stating, "It’s a very accountable industry. We don’t anticipate this will significantly affect cruise numbers, but it will impact some."
The proposed regulations are subject to public hearing until April 15 and are expected to take effect on July 1, 2025.
This article was last updated on January 9, 2025.
