As part of its ‘batteries in zero-emission vessels’ support scheme, Enova, a Norway Ministry of Climate and Environment state enterprise, will provide around Nkr362m (US$37m) in support for seven electric vessels and four charging stations. The measures are estimated to cut the emission of 20,836 metric tons of CO₂ equivalents annually.
World’s largest battery-powered container ship
Among these projects is what the company states could become the world’s largest battery-electric container ship. Eitzen Avanti is one of the companies receiving support for a project that will build two battery-powered ships to transport containers between Norway, Sweden and Germany. The ships will have battery packs of over 100MWh and will be able to transport 850 containers.
“These projects show in their own way what is possible with battery electrification in shipping. The technology is now mature and the projects are available,” said Andreas Forsnes Jahn, senior advisor in maritime transport at Enova. “If electrification of car ferries was the first wave, we hope that this will be the start of the second electrification wave in short sea shipping.”
Charging facility
The Port of Oslo will also receive support for a charging facility for these ships at the container terminal on Sjursøya.
“The Port of Oslo’s vision is to be the world’s most efficient and environmentally friendly city port. Enova’s support is a very important contribution to realizing Oslo’s and the port’s ambitious climate goals,” commented Ingvar M Mathisen, port director of the Port of Oslo. “I would also like to commend Eitzen Avanti for being a groundbreaking company that dares to invest in new, green technology. Their commitment and willingness to lead the way shows the way for the entire industry.”
Electric ships to transport both minerals and tourists
Polar Energy Shipco will build an all-electric bulk carrier that will transport minerals along the Norwegian coast. With rotor sails and battery packs of over 20MWh, the ship will be able to operate fully electric. GC Rieber Minerals will also receive support, for a charging facility at Laksevågneset, and Brim Explorer will receive support for two battery-electric vessels that will, among other things, operate between Ålesund and Geiranger. The ships have a number of energy efficiency measures and will have battery packs of approximately 3MWh.
Lovundlaks will also receive support, for two electric workboats as well as for two dedicated charging facilities at its land bases.
The next deadline for applications is September 9, 2025.
In related news, shipping company Höegh Autoliners has been awarded approximately US$14m from Enova to enable the use of ammonia to fuel two of its pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs). Read the full story here