Norway’s Ministry of Climate and Environment has determined the military can no longer intentionally sink ships at sea. The decision follows the sinking of two frigates, KNM Trondheim and KNM Bergen, off Andøya in Nordland in September 2025 as part of bomb testing exercises. A review of both national and international regulations revealed that the deliberate scuttling of vessels constitutes illegal dumping, even during military operations. The Ministry’s new guidance mandates that the Navy must now retrieve wreckage following such exercises. Future operations requiring the disposal of ships will necessitate a special application process, with exemptions granted only in exceptional circumstances. This policy change impacts how the Norwegian military conducts training and disposes of decommissioned vessels.