The new requirement comes after the Wreck Removal Convention enters into force in Norway February 11, 2025, and from that date Wreck Removal Certificate (WRC) for Norwegian ships will be issued by The Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) instead of Danish authorities.
NMA reports on its website that the NMA has started processing applications for the WRC. To make the application process easier for the ship owners Gard provides a digital solution for application of the WRC to NMA directly through Gard’s own customer portal.
"We are excited about our partnership with The Norwegian Maritime Authority, and the result is a simplified process so that ship owners can manage their certificates more efficiently", says Line Dahle, Chief Customer Officer in Gard.
This is how the new requirement impacts shipowners with NOR and NIS flag:
Vessels that previously have had Wreck Removal Certificate (WRC) but have not yet ordered will receive WRC along with Certificate on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage (CLC) and Certificate on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage (CLB), when applying through the Gard Portal.
Vessels that previously have had Wreck Removal Certificate (WRC) and already ordered Bunker Blue Cards (BBC) and Maritime Labour Certificate (MLC) from the Gard Portal before January 8 (and hence got Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage (CLC) and Certificate on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage (CLB) from The Norwegian Maritime Authority) can contact Gard Trading Certificates team at trading-certificates@gard.no, and we can assist with the automatic ordering of the WRC.
Vessels applying for the Wreck Removal Certificate (WRC) for the first time can apply via the Gard Portal. If you do not have access to the Gard portal, please contact portal@gard.no
Provides customer benefits
The new certificate requirement will apply regardless of certification and area of operation, meaning it applies to both domestic and international voyages.
"This update not only streamlines the certification process for the Wreck Removal Certificate, but also highlights Gard’s commitment to making ship owners' lives more convenient through digital innovation", says Dahle.
A Wreck Removal Certificate (WRC) confirms that the ship has approved insurance or other security to cover the costs of locating, marking, and removing wrecks, in accordance with the rules of the Wreck Removal Convention.
More information and guidance on the application process can be found in guidance circular RSV 01 – 2025 on The Norwegian Maritime Authority’s website (in Norwegian): Veiledning om søknadsprosessen – vrakfjerningssertifikat - Sjøfartsdirektoratet
Line Dahle, Chief Customer Officer in Gard
Line Dahle, Chief Customer Officer in Gard
