Vestland companies secure major Enova backing for zero-emission shipping

The investment underlines both the region’s maritime expertise and its growing role as a hub for next-generation shipping solutions. 

New fuels and batteries

Enova is a government-owned organisation in Norway that works to support the transition to a more sustainable, low‑emission society. Of the ten new zero-emission vessels that Enova is now supporting, six will run on batteries, two on hydrogen, and two on ammonia. In addition, charging infrastructure is included in one of the projects. With the ten new projects now receiving support, the pace of transition is increasing in a sector where the development of zero-emission technologies is still at an early stage, where a further 22 zero-emission vessels are already under construction, planned for use in Norwegian waters.

- The goal of the ten projects is to demonstrate that batteries, hydrogen, and ammonia can all become competitive solutions as maritime transport needs to cut emissions on a much larger scale in the future, said Rune Holmen, acting CEO of Enova when releasing the news.

With four of the companies headquartered in Vestland, the news is a demonstration on how the region is translating innovation into commercial projects that can accelerate decarbonisation across global shipping. 

H2 Shipping (Bergen)N will receive support a NOK 345 million for two bulk carriers that will use liquid hydrogen, while Bergen Tankers (Askøy) gets NOK 433 million to build two ammonia-powered tankers that will operate for Equinor. Seistar (Austevoll) will receive a NOK 132 million support for both a fully electric processing vessel and charging infrastructure, enabling emission-free transport and processing of fish between fish farms and slaughterhouses. Watt Goodfish (Fitjar) will receive a NOK 125 million support for two similar electric vessels.

The success of Seistar, WHAT, LH2 Shipping and Bergen Tankers is a demonstration of why our region is one of Europe’s most exciting locations for green maritime investment. The projects show how strong industrial collaboration, maritime competence and access to clean energy are creating globally relevant solutions from Vestland, visible in Port of Bergen. Photo: Charlotte Hartvigsen Lem. 

Translating innovation into commercialisation

- Maritime transport remains one of the most challenging sectors to decarbonise. Through projects involving liquid hydrogen and other zero-emission fuel solutions, Vestland companies are helping establish the technologies, infrastructure and operational experience needed to scale clean shipping internationally. We are happy that Enova now highlights hydrogen and ammonia as important energy carriers for achieving long-term emissions reductions at sea, says investment manager in Invest in Vestland, Tone Hartvedt.  

According to DNV’s barometer for the green transition in shipping, there are 3,785 vessels in domestic traffic in Norway. Of these, 112 are zero-emission, corresponding to about three percent of the fleet; more than in any other country in the world. Nevertheless, a new report, which we are launching on June 18, shows that at the current pace Norway cannot expect to achieve its goal of zero greenhouse gas emissions from maritime transport by 2050. This means the pace must increase.

- To meet our climate goals, all sectors must transition, including shipping. I am pleased that today we are awarding substantial funding to vessels that will run on batteries, ammonia, and hydrogen. This is a major step in the right direction and shows that various zero-emission solutions are becoming increasingly available to the maritime sector. Enova plays an important role in the transition of a sector that accounts for eight percent of Norway’s emissions, stated Minister of Climate and Environment Andreas Bjelland Eriksen as the news was released.

A report from Menon economics and Maritime Cleantech estimates the market for maritime climate technology to €34.9 billion. This demonstrates a structural shift in how ships are designed and built. Read more here. 

At Fjordbase in Florø, Vestland, thre are plans to build a bunkering facility for ammonia-powered vessels. Photo: Morten Wancik. 

A complete green maritime cluster

As international regulations and customer demand accelerate the shift toward low- and zero-emission transport, projects such as these will play an important role in building the future maritime value chain.

The latest Enova funding is another clear signal that Vestland is not only participating in the green maritime transition but is in forefront.  For Vestland, the announcement reinforces a broader trend. The region has become a centre for maritime innovation, combining world-leading shipowners, technology developers, equipment suppliers and clean-energy companies. From hydrogen-powered bulk carriers to new fuel and logistics solutions, local companies are driving projects that position Norway as a global leader in sustainable shipping. Last year Enova supported three refuelling facilities for ammonia-powered vessels, where two are being built in Vestland, at the offshore ports of Mongstad, and Fjordbase in Florø, read here. 

Want to learn more about the green maritime ecosystem in Vestland? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our advisors!