Norway is taking another step towards decarbonising its maritime sector, with state-owned enterprise Enova awarding NOK 1.3 billion in support to 10 new zero-emission vessel projects.
MF Hydra, the world's first liquid hydrogen-powered ferry
The funding covers six battery-electric, two hydrogen-powered and two ammonia-fuelled vessels. One project also includes charging infrastructure to support fully electric operations.
According to Enova, the projects are designed to demonstrate that batteries, hydrogen and ammonia can become competitive solutions as shipping accelerates its transition away from fossil fuels.
Seistar: One fully electric fish transport and processing vessel and charging infrastructure
Watt Goodfish: Two fully electric fish transport and processing vessels
Eitzen Avanti: Two battery-electric container ships for a planned zero-emission shipping route between Norway and Europe
Nordic Sea Concept: One fully electric cruise vessel for operation in Norway's fjords
LH2 Shipping: Two liquid hydrogen-powered bulk carriers
Norway currently has the world's highest share of zero-emission vessels, with 112 such ships operating in domestic waters. However, Enova notes that the pace of transition must increase significantly if the country is to achieve its goal of zero greenhouse gas emissions from maritime transport by 2050.
The projects supported in this funding round are expected to reduce emissions by more than 46,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually, equivalent to the yearly emissions of around 18,000 diesel passenger cars. Beyond the direct reductions, Enova says the projects will help establish the infrastructure and fuel value chains needed for wider adoption of zero-emission technologies across the maritime industry.
You can read Enova's press release here (in Norwegian).
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