Norway has been given the go-ahead to expand an aid scheme to encourage the use of local seafarers.
The programme provides tax and social security contribution refunds to shipping companies.
Approval today by the European Free Trade Association Surveillance Authority (ESA) means Norway can press ahead with plans to include also passenger ferries registered in the Norwegian International Ship Register (NIS) and which offer overnight accommodation on routes exceeding 300 nautical miles between Norwegian and foreign ports.
