Norwegian wellboat operators will continue to operate in UK waters without additional visa requirements after British authorities agreed to extend the current visa exemption for a further three years.
The decision means Norwegian-flagged wellboats and their crews can continue to provide services to the UK aquaculture industry without being subject to full visa application processes. The exemption applies to operations within UK territorial waters and removes a key source of regulatory uncertainty following the UK’s exit from the EU.
“This is a very important and welcome clarification,” said Knut Arild Hareide, chief executive of the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association, in a statement. He said the extension secures market access and contributes to stable operations in a sector that generates significant value and employment along the Norwegian coast.
Visa access for Norwegian maritime crews became an issue after Brexit introduced new immigration requirements for foreign vessels operating within 12 nautical miles of the UK coast. Wellboats were subsequently granted a specific exemption, which has now been renewed.
Hareide said that while the extension represents progress, visa-related challenges remain for other segments of the maritime industry, including offshore vessels, offshore wind support ships and other service vessels operating in UK waters.
“This is an important step, but the work is not finished,” he said, calling for a more structured and predictable framework for Norwegian maritime operators more broadly.
According to the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association, the visa issue has been under discussion for an extended period. The organisation said it raised the matter with Norway’s fisheries and ocean minister in November, alongside ongoing dialogue with UK authorities.
Norwegian industry representatives have described the maritime sector as a strategic partner for the UK in areas including aquaculture, energy, offshore wind and green shipping, and said continued market access remains a priority.