Authorisation of State aid pursuant to Article 61 of the EEA Agreement and Article 1(3) in Part I of Protocol 3 to the Surveillance and Court Agreement

EFTA Surveillance Authority decision not to raise objections

(2006/C 305/14)

Date of adoption:

EFTA State: Norway

Aid No: Case 59434

Title: Scheme for research, development and innovation in the maritime industry (Maritime RDI).

Objective: The principal objective of the scheme is to strengthen competitiveness and increase the value added in the maritime industry through stimulating research, development and innovation in the industry.

Legal basis: St.prp. nr. 1 (2005-2006) Nærings- og hadelsdepartementet (the state budget, Ministry of Trade and Industry), chapter 2421, section 79 and the Mission Statement for Innovation Norway for 2006.

Budget/ Duration: The budget of the scheme for 2006 is NOK 20 million (approximately EUR 2,6 million). Annual budget's for the following years will be subject to annual parliamentary budget procedures. The duration of the scheme is six years.

The authentic text of the decision, from which all confidential information has been removed, can be found at:

http://www.eftasurv.int/fieldsofwork/fieldstateaid/stateaidregistry