18/04/2001 (Agence Europe) - The European Free Trade Association Surveillance Authority has just decided not to raise objections to aid granted to four Norwegian shipyards. Two projects come under aid to regional investment and will benefit Hammerfest Maritime Service AS and Harstad Skipindustri AS. The Authority considers that they are eligible for regional aid, that they will improve the productivity of existing yards, and that they respect the ceiling set for this type of aid. Two other projects come under aid to research and development (R&D) and will benefit Umoe Sterkoder AS as well as Ulstein Verft AS. In these last two cases, the Authority considers that the aid comes under R&D, that it will have an incentive effect and remains within with ceilings authorised.