Norway's Ministry of Finance issued a release on 14 December 2017 announcing that the EFTA Surveillance Authority has approved the extension of the country's special tax system for shipping (tonnage tax) through 31 December 2027. Existing regulations will generally be continued, although some changes need to be made, including certain limits on bareboat charters, vessels not registered in an EEA country, and vessels without their own propulsion (barges). The needed legislative changes will be proposed in spring 2018, with transitional arrangements in respect of the new limits provided until 31 October 2018. Existing contracts will not be affected.