Green maritime

Cutting costs and cutting emissions is a global maritime industry goal. Norway offers one of the world's most complete maritime value chains, currently pioneering sustainable ship design and equipment with digital transition on every level. The focus is on reducing emissions and costs through research and development in newbuilds, retrofits, and upgrades.

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As Norway embarks upon the green shift, the shipping industry has been quick to embrace the need for green technologies. Greater Bergen has an excellent environment for the research, development and testing of these solutions.

Norway has always been a shipping nation, with the west coast playing a central role. From its early days as a port city, it has grown into a major trade centre. The port of Bergen is Norway’s 2nd largest port and hosts the country’s largest fleet of seafaring vessels. It’s also the main headquarters for the Norwegian Navy.

In the digital forefront

Digitalisation within the shipping industry has become increasingly prevalent during the last several decades. From ship design to global tracking to long-distance communication, the industry has embraced digitalisation in all its operations.

Home to two industry clusters, multiple research institutes and scores of private firms, the region has been a hotbed and a centre of data-driven innovation in alternative fuel technologies and zero-emission propulsion systems. Hydrogen, ammonia, electrification, and fuel cells are among the research areas that these organisations are exploring.

The region’s shipping industry employs thousands and is responsible for billions in created value.

Business opportunities

Bergen has always been a shipping hub with a highly developed and thriving shipping industry. As Norway moves forward with its net-zero ambitions, efforts are already underway to decarbonise the industry.

Next-gen ships and energy

Norway has been a frontrunner in developing batteries for ferries. Soon, all Norwegian ferries will be equipped with batteries. In addition, charging stations are becoming increasingly prevalent along many of the region’s key docks and ports.

For fast ferries, larger ships and the deep sea fleet, the industry in Norway is working hard to develop the next generation energy solutions like hydrogen and ammonia. Most of these projects are taking place on the west coast of Norway, the hot spot for companies that want to take part in zero-emission projects.

One-stop shop for the maritime industry

Greater Bergen is not only a key hub for Norway’s maritime industry. It is also home to an ecosystem of shipping companies and skilled manpower that offer a range of services beyond conventional maritime transport. These include:

ship design and management
skilled manpower with essential competencies
harbour and logistical services
legal and financial services
insurance
software and IT

Latest news from this industry

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“Forsvarskonferansen” in Bergen is a pivotal meeting point for the defence and maritime sectors, bringing together policymakers, defence leaders and industry innovators to drive forward collaboration. Want to join us?

Spanish deep tech innovator chose Bergen as launchpad for maritime hydrogen solutions

When the Spanish deep tech-company was looking to expand, they established operations in Bergen. Founded in Bilbao in 2020, H2SITE specializes in onboard ammonia cracking technology, enabling ships to produce high-purity hydrogen directly from ammonia, a significant step toward decarbonizing the global shipping industry.