Norway is championing maritime decarbonization through innovative technologies, fostering job creation. The Enova program recently allocated $76 million for projects focused on hydrogen and ammonia as marine fuels. Minister Andreas Bjelland Eriksen emphasized the need for Norway to lead in maritime transition, supporting various sustainable shipping initiatives.
India is actively seeking Norway’s collaboration on cultural, technological, and academic initiatives for the National Maritime Heritage Complex in Lothal, Gujarat. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced this during his visit to Oslo, where he joined Crown Prince Haakon to inaugurate the India Pavilion at the Nor-Shipping event, highlighting maritime capabilities.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal will embark on a crucial five-day official trip to Norway and Denmark starting June 2. Leading a Team India delegation, he will attend a High-level Meeting on Oceans at the Nor-Shipping event, where he will inaugurate the ‘India Pavilion’ and promote the upcoming ‘India Maritime Week 2025’.
The Trøndelag Police District in Norway has arrested a second officer from the feeder ship NCL Salten, which ran aground near a house. The officer, a Ukrainian in his 30s, confessed to falling asleep while on watch and has been charged with “negligent navigation” under Norwegian law.
The all-electric passenger vessel, Future of the Fjords, evacuated 300 passengers after smoke was detected in a battery compartment. Fortunately, no injuries occurred. Local fire authorities prioritized the incident due to potential lithium-ion battery hazards. The cause was identified as a shorted capacitor, which overheated but did not ignite.
During the Vietship 2025 maritime exhibition, Norwegian Ambassador Hilde Solbakken highlighted the collaboration potential between Norway and Vietnam in green shipping. With seven Norwegian companies showcasing advanced maritime technologies, the event emphasized reducing carbon emissions and fostering local job creation in coastal communities, aligning with the IMO’s net-zero emissions goals.
India’s Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited (UCSL) recently delivered the Wilson Eco 1, the first of six 3,800 DWT green dry cargo vessels to Norway’s Wilson Ship Management AS. This milestone marks a significant achievement in India’s export of eco-friendly maritime solutions. The vessel is part of a green shipping initiative supported by the Norwegian government.
The Hinnøy, Norway’s largest fully battery-powered ferry, has completed construction in Turkey and is on its way to Norway. With a capacity for 399 passengers and 120 cars, it will operate in the Arctic fjord region, setting new records in size, speed, and charging capabilities. This marks a significant step towards sustainable maritime transportation in Norway.
Cyient, GreenH, and Luxcara have teamed up to develop a cutting-edge green hydrogen facility in Bodø, Norway. This project will provide clean fuel to maritime transport in the Arctic Circle. With a focus on renewable energy sources, the collaboration aims to reduce emissions and align with climate goals.
Norway and Brazil are joining forces to reduce emissions from maritime activities, focusing on offshore oil and gas exploration. Through advanced technology and sustainable fuels, they aim to cut greenhouse gas emissions significantly. Norwegian companies are exploring biofuels from Brazil and testing ammonia-powered engines and fuel cells for electric vessel recharging by 2026.
The world’s first commercial liquefied CO2 transport ship, the Northern Pioneer, has arrived in Stavanger, Norway. With a capacity to transport 8,000 tonnes of liquid CO2, the vessel will start operations in 2025. Blessed by its godmother, Tina Bru, the ship will play a crucial role in Europe’s decarbonization efforts.
Canada’s Space Flight Laboratory (SFL) recently launched Norway’s NorSat-4 maritime monitoring microsatellite, equipped with a fifth-generation AIS ship tracking receiver and low-light imaging camera. Launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on January 14, NorSat-4 is built on SFL’s DEFIANT microsatellite bus, enhancing Norway’s maritime traffic monitoring capabilities in Arctic waters.
Ship building activity in coastal Karnataka has surged with UCSL launching the first of six 3800 TDW dry cargo vessels for Wilson ASA of Norway. Scheduled for delivery in February 2025, followed by five more vessels and eight 6300 TDW dry cargo vessels. UCSL also has orders for constructing Bollard Pull ASD tugs.
The FuelEU initiative will not apply to Norway and Iceland, as they are EEA members but not EU Member States. However, 50% of energy used on voyages between these countries and EU Member States will be subject to FuelEU regulations from January 1, 2025. Exemptions are available for specific routes and ports until December 31, 2029.
A variety of industry organizations in Norway, such as the Norwegian Fishermen’s Association and the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association, have united to support an agreement promoting sustainability in maritime and fishing sectors. Sivertsen Næss highlighted the significance of this collaboration, emphasizing the shared ambition and expertise driving the partnership towards a sustainable future.
