New requirements from SJT: Supervision of ropeway supporting structures – what must the industry do?
- Sara Lyons
- Sep 18
- 3 min read
On July 1, 2025, amendments to Taubaneforskriften (the Norwegian Ropeway Regulation) entered into force, with major consequences for everyone who owns, operates, or maintains ropeways and ski lifts. The Norwegian Railway Authority (SJT) has been given new supervisory responsibilities, particularly concerning the supporting structures of ropeways — that is, towers, foundations, and stations. These rules introduce stricter requirements for inspections, documentation, and maintenance.
Here’s an overview of what you need to know:
What’s new
Supervision and transfer of authority
Until now, municipalities were responsible for supervising supporting structures under the Planning and Building Act. As of July 1, 2025, this supervisory responsibility is transferred to SJT.
Municipalities will still issue building permits and completion certificates (or temporary use permits) for the construction itself, but SJT will issue operating licenses based on documentation required under Taubaneforskriften.
Extended scope of Taubaneforskriften
The regulation has been amended so that supporting structures—towers, foundations, and stations—are now explicitly subject to requirements for safety management systems, risk assessments, and maintenance control.
All ropeway operators must now have a control and maintenance plan that includes supporting structures.
Special inspections and deadlines
The new regulation requires special inspections of supporting structures. All installations must have carried out these inspections by October 1, 2026.
Ropeways approved after May 3, 2004, follow the supplier’s instructions for periodic inspections and revisions. For those approved earlier, separate rules apply requiring special inspections.
Requirements for operating permitsA new operating permit is required when a ropeway is:
New and put into service for the first time
Restarted after being out of operation for more than one year
Relocated
Significantly modified
For new operating permits, documentation must now show that the entire installation — including supporting structures — meets the acceptable safety level and applicable standards. A completion certificate or temporary use permit must be submitted with the application.
For restarts, relocations, or significant modifications, these requirements must also be clearly documented.
Why these changes
Safety: Supporting structures are subject to mechanical loads over time as well as weather and climate impacts. Lack of inspections or maintenance can lead to serious incidents.
Clearer lines of responsibility: There has been uncertainty about who is responsible for these structures under both municipal regulations and Taubaneforskriften. The changes clarify this by consolidating responsibility under SJT.
Predictability for the industry: Companies now face clearer requirements, deadlines, and guidance for good maintenance plans. This creates room for planning and prioritization.
Key deadlines
July 1, 2025: The amendments take effect. SJT takes over supervision of supporting structures, towers, and foundations. Companies must have inspection and control plans ready.
October 1, 2026: Deadline for completing the first inspection of towers and foundations, including the special inspections of supporting structures.
Challenges and things to look out for
For older ropeways, it may be difficult to find original documentation, spare parts, and standards that align with today’s requirements.
Smaller operators with limited resources may need to prioritize budgets and capacity building for inspections and maintenance.
Clarifications and guidance from SJT will be crucial to ensure that requirements are understood and implemented in a practical way. SJT has already issued guidance on supporting structures and special inspections.
Summary
The new requirements from SJT represent an important step toward raising the safety level in the ropeway industry. They mean more documentation, stricter maintenance plans, and stronger supervision of the structures that literally carry the installations. While the transition may present challenges, it also brings opportunities:
Improved passenger and public safety
More professional operations and better overall control of condition and risk
Potentially reduced long-term costs (and improved profitability) by preventing damage and optimizing maintenance to ensure maximum service life of installations
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