Dag Inge Ulstein and the rest of the group were highly impressed by the investments made at the shipyard and stated that nation-builders deserve our full support!
The shipyard challenged the delegation on the need for political action in several key areas.
It is important to safeguard existing and future jobs, uphold national security and preparedness—among other things by ensuring that the construction of the 28 new standard vessels under the Defense Boost (Forsvarsløftet) is carried out in Norway—and that most of the value creation related to the construction of the new frigates also remains in Norway.
We need competitive framework conditions for private Norwegian owners, including the removal of the wealth tax. The CO2 tax should be reduced or eliminated entirely, and instead, efforts should be directed toward low-emission solutions, similar to the NOx Fund model, earmarked for conversions and newbuilds in Norway.
Education opportunities are key to future expertise. Among other things, we want better support schemes for companies to ensure the training of apprentices and to reduce social exclusion. It is important to ensure access to skilled workers and to rebuild national shipbuilding capacity.
We want to be an active contributor in further developing and strengthening Norway’s position as a leading maritime nation. To succeed, we need political will and cooperation on solutions that make it possible to build the future—here at home. Investing in shipyards is investing in people, competence, and the future.
We thank you for the visit and wish you the best of luck in the parliamentary election!