The Norwegian Union of Marine Engineers was founded in 1902 through the merger of 21 local marine engineers’ associations. The union is a politically independent trade union, affiliated with Unio at the national level and with the International Transport Workers’ Federation, the European Transport Workers’ Federation, the Nordic Transport Workers’ Federation, the Nordic Marine Engineers’ Federation and Nautilus Federation at the international level.

The Norwegian Union of Marine Engineers also participates in committees and forums within the Norwegian Maritime Authority, the Norwegian Ocean Industry Authority, as well as in the International Maritime Organization, the International Labour Organization and the European Union, in order to influence the development and maintenance of regulations.

To ensure a sustainable workforce, safe and adequate manning, and a fair transition in light of environmental requirements, technological development and new energy sources for propulsion and manoeuvring, the Norwegian Union of Marine Engineers promotes national and international tripartite cooperation to ensure that:
– safety regulations are developed and implemented
– career development and continuing education are provided
– technology is governed by competent and qualified human expertise