Change in national regulations concerning dangerous goods on ferries

The Ministry of Transport and Communications has decided that “ferry captains may deviate from the queue principle regarding vehicles containing dangerous goods in cases when these create serious difficulties for other ferry passengers”.

The change in regulations is based on the fact that the Norwegian Maritime Directorate has introduced significant limitations in the number of passengers allowed onboard ferries also shipping dangerous goods, which has caused difficulties for other passengers.
The consultative statements based on the discussion document “Green Paper” have been given (The Norwegian Public Roads Administration), contributions and comments from the industries in question and from the business sector have been given within the time frame stated. The Ministry of Transport and Communications has still decided to introduce the new regulations immediately, without regard to the consultative statements.
The result could be that vehicles containing dangerous goods could be stopped in harbours indefinitely. This will also entail that other “non-dangerous” goods grouped with dangerous goods could be affected. Delays may occur and affect transport schedules. We must also make reservations for possible extra costs which necessarily must be charged our customers.