Norway is strengthening its leadership in green maritime innovation with a $108 million investment in 14 projects centered on ammonia, hydrogen, and battery-powered vessels and related technologies. Led by Enova SF, a state-owned organization focused on advancing sustainable technologies, this funding will lead to reducing emissions in the shipping industry and promoting the transition to zero-emission fuels.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Enova’s annual funding has surged from $290 million to over $800 million since 2021. In 2024 alone, Enova supported 24 vessels powered by hydrogen (11 vessels) and ammonia (13 vessels), with plans to conduct two funding rounds annually through 2025 and 2026, emphasizing these transformative fuels.
This robust investment aligns with broader maritime decarbonization trends across Europe. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), Europe accounted for nearly 40% of global investments in zero-emission maritime technologies in 2023.
Enova’s most recent round of funding received an enthusiastic response, with 31 applications for ammonia and hydrogen-related projects. Nine projects received grants totaling nearly $83 million, distributed among key initiatives, including:
Among these, the MS Green Ammonia project led by Greig Edge stands out. Awarded approximately $7 million, the vessel is designed to be both a distribution and bunkering vessel. It will leverage green ammonia to meet up to 85% of its energy needs while incorporating wind-assisted propulsion and battery technology. Scheduled for delivery in 2028, the ship represents a cornerstone in building a sustainable ammonia supply chain.
Beyond ammonia and hydrogen, Norway is advancing battery-powered vessels, granting $25 million to five projects in this round. Key recipients include:
Enova also invests in infrastructure, allocating $3 million to Plug for electric charging stations in Austvika and Tomma. This aligns with the European Union’s Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), which emphasizes establishing robust charging networks to support electric shipping.
Enova is fostering the development of hydrogen and ammonia value chains as part of its broader strategy. In November, it awarded grants to five hydrogen production projects to ensure these fuels’ availability along Norway’s coastline. This move complements global efforts, such as Japan’s commitment to hydrogen adoption, which includes plans to establish 320 hydrogen refueling stations by 2030.
With additional rounds of funding slated for March 2025, Enova is encouraging applicants from previous cycles to continue refining and resubmitting proposals. As other nations take note of Norway’s initiatives, the ripple effect could accelerate the adoption of zero-emission shipping technologies worldwide. These developments reinforce the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) ambition to achieve net-zero emissions in the shipping industry by 2050.
