Norway Invests $130 Million in Green Shipping as Zero-Emission Vessel Orders Accelerate
Norway is strengthening its position as a global leader in sustainable maritime transport after awarding more than $130 million in grants to support the construction of ten new zero-emission vessels. The funding was announced through Enova, Norway’s state-backed energy innovation agency, and will help accelerate the country’s transition toward cleaner shipping technologies.
The latest funding round supports seven Norwegian maritime companies that are currently placing orders for new environmentally friendly vessels. Among the ten ships approved for funding, six will be powered by batteries, two will operate on hydrogen, and two will use ammonia as fuel.
The new projects add to 22 other green vessels already under construction with Enova support, reinforcing Norway’s commitment to decarbonizing maritime transport and reducing greenhouse gas emissions across its domestic shipping sector.
Battery-electric vessels received a significant portion of the funding. One of the biggest beneficiaries was Zen, the shipping electrification division of Eitzen Group. Enova awarded Zen approximately $20 million to support the construction of two battery-electric container ships. The funding follows a similar grant awarded last year for two sister vessels through Avanti, another Eitzen Group subsidiary.
Zen recently confirmed that the first two electric container vessels have been ordered from China’s Zhejiang Dongpeng Shipbuilding. Equipped with massive 100 MWh battery systems, these vessels are expected to become among the largest battery-powered container ships in commercial operation when they enter service in 2029.
Norwegian company Nordic Sea Concept also secured $8.6 million in support for the development of an all-electric cruise vessel designed to operate within Norway’s iconic fjords. The ship will feature a 20 MWh battery pack, enabling fully electric operations in environmentally sensitive waters.
Meanwhile, wellboat specialist Seistar received $13.6 million to build an all-electric processing vessel and develop associated charging infrastructure. The project aims to facilitate emission-free transport and processing of fish between aquaculture facilities and slaughterhouses.
In the alternative fuels sector, Enova committed around $80 million to strengthen hydrogen and ammonia fuel value chains. LH2 Shipping was awarded $35 million to support the construction of two liquid hydrogen-powered bulk carriers. Bergen Tankers received approximately $44 million for ammonia-fueled tankers that will be chartered by Norwegian energy giant Equinor.
According to Enova, the funded projects are expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 46,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually. Acting CEO Rune Holmen said the investments represent a major step toward transforming the maritime sector and delivering long-term emissions reductions.
Norway continues to lead the global maritime industry in clean shipping innovation, particularly in battery-electric vessel technology. Classification society DNV reports that Norway’s ship registry includes 3,785 vessels, with 112 already operating as emission-free ships, representing around three percent of the national fleet.
As shipowners, technology providers, and governments push for greener maritime solutions, Norway’s latest investment demonstrates how strategic funding can accelerate the deployment of zero-emission vessels and support the shipping industry’s transition toward a more sustainable future.
