Norway has unveiled a fresh round of funding worth more than $120 million to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission fuels in maritime transport, reinforcing its ambition to lead the global shift toward low-carbon shipping.
The grants are being channelled through Enova, a state-owned enterprise under the Ministry of Climate and Environment, which supports technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions while building new industrial value chains. The latest funding round targets vessels and fuel infrastructure seen as critical early demonstrations of hydrogen- and ammonia-based shipping.
Enova has allocated close to $100 million to support the construction of seven pioneering vessels—three large ocean-going bulk carriers powered by ammonia and four coastal bulkers using hydrogen-based propulsion. Together, these ships are expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around 92,000 tonnes annually.
Among the recipients, LH2 Shipping, in partnership with Strand Shipping Bergen of the Vertom Group, secured about $29 million in additional funding to build two more liquid hydrogen-powered bulk carriers. This follows earlier support granted in spring, enabling the project to expand from two to four vessels. The new ships, each around 7,700 deadweight tonnes and 108 metres long, are designed for short-sea operations linking northern Norway with the Baltic region and mainland Europe.
The vessels will feature onboard systems with 17 tonnes of liquid hydrogen storage, 3.5 MW PEM fuel cells, and a 1.5 MWh battery pack. Shore power capability will allow zero-emission loading and unloading where infrastructure exists, while a backup diesel or biodiesel generator will provide operational flexibility during fuel supply interruptions.
GMI Rederi is also receiving Enova support for two hydrogen-powered coastal bulkers equipped with compressed hydrogen fuel cells, batteries, and wind-assisted propulsion. These ships will serve Norway’s domestic trade, transporting asphalt and construction materials along the coast.
In parallel, Amon Bulk has been awarded roughly $29 million to develop three ammonia-fuelled Kamsarmax bulk carriers of 80,000–85,000 dwt. Intended primarily for European steel industry cargoes, the vessels are scheduled for delivery between 2029 and 2030 and will join two similar ships announced earlier this year.
To underpin these new fleets, Enova has granted $43 million for the development of Norway’s first three ammonia bunkering stations on the west coast. Norwegian firm Azane Fuel Solutions plans facilities at Mongstad, Florø, and Risavika, each capable of storing up to 2,000 cubic metres of refrigerated ammonia and bunkering vessels at rates exceeding 100 tonnes per hour.
Enova said early investment in vessels and fuel infrastructure is essential for reducing risk, building experience, and positioning Norway as a first mover—and long-term leader—in zero-emission maritime transport.
