Maritime transport is important to the Nordic countries. The Nordic region has strong maritime traditions and environments of expertise, and is a leader in the global transition to green shipping. Introduction of sustainable zero-emission fuel is crucial for being able to reach the IMO’s emission targets, and it is expected to be part of the work with the EU’s Green Deal.

Ferry crossing Storfjorden, Norway. Sunnmørsalpene in the background.

In order to ensure a green transition in shipping, extensive ship engineering work and development of supply and infrastructure must be carried out. In particular, a set of regulations must be established to make new types of fuel safe to use. The window of transition is small, as ships have a long lifespan andnew solutions take a long time to prepare. Many of today’s ships are expected to be replaced in 2028–2042, which is why this work must be done now. If the Nordics succeed, it will have major global implications and simultaneously strengthen the Nordics’ competitiveness. A common roadmap for the introduction of sustainable zero-emission fuel in shipping will be of great value to authorities, business, and other relevant expertise, as well as in concrete maritime infrastructure projects.

The project is part of Green transition of the transport sector, where Nordic Energy Research acts as secretariat, and runs from 2021 to 2024. The budget is 18 000 000 DKK and project owner is the Norwegian Ministry of Climate and Environment.