SF Airlines Boeing 767 at Oslo Airport
Wouter Severs OSCC
The air freight route for seafood and other items exports from Ezhou Huahu International Airport in China to Oslo Airport, Norway, was officially launched on January 14, 2025.
These logistics connections are highly significant as China is Norway's largest Asian seafood market and the fastest-growing globally.
According to the Norwegian news agency NTB, Ezhou Huahu International Airport, Asia's first dedicated cargo hub, has received significant investments in its infrastructure to increase activity between the two regions.
"This is a new milestone for Norwegian seafood exports and a testament to the strong cooperation between Norway and China. The new route will not only provide faster and more efficient access to the Chinese market but also strengthen Norway’s position as a leading seafood exporter," expressed Eva Beate Lande, Director of Cargo at Avinor.
As reported by WeAreAquaculture in November 2024, the export of live Norwegian snow crab to China could become a reality following the meeting held in Beijing between the Norwegian Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Marianne Sivertsen Næss, and the Chinese Minister of Customs and Veterinary Authorities, Yu Jianhua.
"During the meeting with the Chinese minister, we received positive signals that China is likely to approve the import of live snow crab from Norway in the near future," said the head of the Norwegian Ministry of Fisheries and Oceans. However, she also warned that the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet) still has "some work to do" before Norway can reach the final goal.
Also, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries (NFD), the Norwegian Food Safety Authority, and Chinese customs and veterinary authorities have discussed the approval of imports of other live seafood products and issues related to seafood trade at the technical level.