You can't build on “floating decisions”

This week the Norwegian Parliament voted in favour of a full review of the NOK 35 billion support programme for floating offshore wind.

The decision, backed by the parties Høyre, Frp, Rødt and KrF, requires the government to present an independently quality-assured analysis including cost-benefit assessments and an evaluation of technology development potential before any commitments are made under the programme.(Source: NRK, 9 June 2026).

The vote has triggered sharp reactions across Norwegian industry.

Industry has already invested and the consequences, not to mention the signaling effects, should not be underestimated, with reports that Equinor are reconsidering their commitment to the Utsira Nord project.

Industry leaders have pointed out that since 2017–2018, companies were actively encouraged by politicians to commit to offshore wind — and have since invested heavily in studies, competence and supply chain positions. (Source: NRK, 9 June 2026).

For GCE Ocean Technology and our members in Vestland, this is not an abstract political debate.

Several of our member companies are directly affected. Wergeland Group is one example, but far from the only one. Across the region, suppliers have made substantial investments to build positions in the offshore wind market.

Our position

Owe Hagesæther, CEO of GCE Ocean Technology:

"We respect that the Storting wishes to review the use of public funds. At the same time, it must be clear: when decisions have been made and industry has committed with investments, competence and capacity, reopening the discussion does not constitute quality assurance — it creates uncertainty.

If the terms and conditions are called into question after investments have been made, it does not only weaken individual projects; it undermines the entire coordinated industrial effort that is now being built up.

This is therefore not only about one project or one support scheme. It concerns Norway's credibility and attractiveness as an investment-friendly country. Predictability is always a fundamental prerequisite for long-term investment. International investors are watching closely. If the ground rules change mid-course, investment risk increases — and the likely consequence is reduced willingness to invest in Norway."

SAMvind is building the capacity that offshore wind demands

Fjord Base in Florø, one of Norway's most important offshore bases, and a key partner in GCE Ocean Technology's SAMvind project has clear ambitions to become part of the offshore wind build-out at Utsira Nord.

Just weeks ago, 30 participants from industry, technology and logistics visited Fjord Base in Florø as part of SAMvind exploring how existing offshore infrastructure, logistics expertise and operational know-how can be mobilised for the offshore wind market.

The visit underlined a central finding: the expertise already exists in Vestland. What it requires is predictable conditions to invest and commit. Today's parliamentary decision puts that collective effort at risk.

Lessons learned should build, not reverse

— We are not opposed to learning from completed processes. But lessons should be used to strengthen future initiatives not to reverse already-adopted frameworks, says Hagesæther.

— Norway's ambition to be a leading nation in floating offshore wind depends on the industry being able to trust that the rules of the game remain stable once investments are underway.