A new batch of funding under Enova has been announced by the Norwegian government to assist newbuild orders for green ships, which are expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 46,000 tonnes of CO2 annually.
According to acting chief executive officer of Enova, Rune Holmen, “The projects pave [the] way for a major restructuring of the maritime sector, which can significantly reduce emissions on a lasting basis.”
Seven local marine enterprises received over $130 million last week from Enova, a Norwegian state-backed energy innovation fund.
These corporations are currently contracting for 10 new emission-free ships, six of which will run on batteries, two on hydrogen and two on ammonia, according to a Maritime Executive report.
This will complement the 22 additional green ships that are currently being built, most of which are funded by Enova and intended for usage in Norwegian seas.
Companies who received Enova funding
Zen, the Eitzen Group’s shipping electrification division, received $20 million from Enova this year for two brand-new battery-electric containerships.
A similar amount was issued last year to Avanti, another subsidiary of Eitzen, for two more sister vessels.
Eitzen has been receiving grants from Enova for two years straight for their battery-electric containership projects.
Similarly, Enova gave Nordic Sea Concept $8.6 million to create an all-electric cruise ship.
The ship will have a sizeable 20 MWh battery pack and operate inside Norwegian fjords.
Seistar, a wellboat transportation specialist, was awarded $13.6 million for an all-electric process vessel and charging station.
This would enable Seistar to transport and process fish between fish farms and slaughterhouses without emitting any emissions.
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Enova also invests in hydrogen and ammonia fuels
Aside from investing on projects that focus on electric ships, Enova has also backed hydrogen and ammonia fuels.
Enova has reportedly committed over $80 million to develop the value chains for the two fuels.
In line with this, $35 million will be given to LH2 Shipping to support its order for two bulk carriers that will use liquid hydrogen.
Equinor, a major Norwegian energy company, has agreed to charter $44 million worth of ammonia-powered tankers to Bergen Tankers.
Norway has been a pioneer in environmentally friendly shipping, especially when it comes to battery-electric propulsion.
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Ciara Mina 
Jheruleene Anne Ramos