Norway has awarded NOK 777m ($82m) in funding to support two hydrogen and two ammonia-fuelled vessels under a NOK 1.3bn ($137m) clean shipping programme
The ships will demonstrate the viability of hydrogen and ammonia in Norwegian maritime operations.
The two liquid hydrogen-fuelled vessels are planned for commercial freight transport, and the ammonia-fuelled tankers could operate for the oil and gas company Equinor.
The funding from state-owned climate organisation Enova came under an NOK $1.3bn programme, which also awarded funds for six battery-powered vessels.
Planned for operation by 2029, the 7,700-dwt liquid hydrogen ships will be developed by start-up LH2 Shipping, and the ammonia tankers by oil transporter Bergen Tankers.
It follows Enova-backed hydrogen and ammonia programmes, including bunkering facilities supported with NOK 442m ($46.6m) and three hydrogen production projects awarded NOK 391m ($41.2m).
Norwegian maritime operations are facing increasingly stringent emissions rules. With limits on large passenger ships already in force, commercial vessels over 10,000 GT will face carbon dioxide emissions limits when operating within World Heritage fjords from 2032.
Norway claims one of the largest low-carbon fleets in the world with 112 emission-free ships already operating from the country – the largest proportion globally, according to Enova.
More broadly, the EU’s emission trading scheme has been in force for ships over 5,000 GT docking in EU ports since 2024.
Gain access to the insights, data, and analysis trusted by hydrogen professionals worldwide.
With a H2 View subscription, you get:
- Unlimited access to 15,000+ articles
- Monthly digital magazine + H2 Review
- Exclusive interviews, webinars and reports
- Expert analysis shaping the hydrogen conversation
Subscribe today
