Enova Funds Fourteen Zero-Emission Ships to Boost Green Shipping
The Norwegian government enterprise
Enova has announced financial support for fourteen zero-emission projects, including seven ammonia-powered ships, two hydrogen-powered ships, five electric ships, and one charging station. This investment is part of Norway’s ongoing efforts to promote green shipping.Tore O. Sandvik, Norway’s Minister for Climate and Environment, emphasized the importance of this initiative, calling it “right and necessary” to meet the government’s climate goals. Over NOK 940 million ($83.88 million) in funding has been allocated for hydrogen and ammonia ship projects. The aim is to establish Norway’s first value chains for hydrogen and ammonia as zero-emission fuels.Nils Kristian Nakstad, CEO of Enova, noted the significance of this milestone: “The Norwegian maritime industry is making key progress toward zero-emission shipping. To build this value chain, we need enough vessels and facilities for hydrogen and ammonia production and bunkering. This effort supports our 2030 targets and sets the stage for long-term goals by 2050.”Enova’s Target Manager for Maritime Transport, Elin Ulstad Stokland, encouraged more applicants to apply for future funding rounds, mentioning that Enova plans to hold two calls annually for hydrogen and ammonia projects in 2025 and 2026. In 2024, Enova also funded 24 vessels using hydrogen and ammonia fuels and supported five hydrogen production projects to ensure fuel availability along Norway’s coast.Additionally, Enova is backing five electric vessels and a dedicated charging station. Andreas Forsnes Jahn, Senior Advisor at Enova, highlighted the potential of battery-powered ships for short-sea shipping, stating, “These projects showcase the possibilities of electrification and could lead to further development of electric shipping infrastructure.”Looking ahead, Enova is working on a new support program for ammonia infrastructure along the Norwegian coast. A draft plan will be shared in early 2025, allowing market input. This initiative aims to further enhance the country’s transition to zero-emission shipping.
