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Green Shipping Programme

Norway establishes the world’s most efficient and environmentally friendly shipping.

Norway has committed itself to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent by 2030 - a huge challenge.

If Norwegian domestic shipping is to take its share of the reduction, we need to multiply the rate of introducing environmentally friendly fuels and alternative propulsion technology. Furthermore, IMO has decided that emissions shall be halved by 2050. This means that the international markets for green technologies and solutions will soon be a reality.

The Green Shipping Programme aims to find scalable solutions for efficient and environmentally friendly shipping. The results will be cost-effective emission cuts, economic growth, increased competitiveness, and new jobs in Norway. Both authorities and industry actors participate in the programme and are working together to achieve these goals.

The studies and pilots in the Green Shipping Programme are crucial for the phasing in of zero and low-emission solutions in shipping towards 2030, with significant climate, environmental and public health benefits

This is GSP in a nutshell. We perform studies. We start pilots. We transfer knowledge between the two, between theory and practice. And last but not least, we facilitate dialogue and collaboration between all stake holders, authorities and politicians included.

2015/2016 Phase 1

Assessing the potential for battery and Gas-based maritime transport in Norway

Objectives: Identify emissions of greenhouse gases and toxic gases, the potential for emission reductions, and the resulting business effects and exports. Startup of five pilots.

Results: Two studies and five pilot projects identified large opportunities for Norway. Barriers to the green shift in the ferry sector were identified and solutions proposed. Results from the studies have initiated debate and have resulted in informed decisions. The programme received Lloyd’s List Global Environmental Award. The programme gave new power to the government’s work related to green shipping.

2016/2017 Phase 2

Evaluate business cases

Objectives: Analyze the business and socio-economic consequences of emission reduction measures. Communicate specific challenges and opportunities to the Norwegian Parliament and government. Startup of five new pilots.

Results: A roadmap with solutions and proposals has been included in the government’s strategy for green competitiveness. The programme organized a top management debate where the fuel shift was lifted to the government level. Competitive and predictable electricity pricing has been introduced to the political agenda, with the goal of achieving plug-in hybridization of coastal shipping, with associated benefits. The programme has been established as a formal project to promote the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The need for a national green fuel plan has been promoted. The NOx-fund has been continued. Five new pilots have been established.

Green Shipping Programme is all about profitable emission reductions, green jobs, increased competitiveness and reaching an international leadership position. Norwegian coastal shipping can become a global showcase, an incubator and platform for Norwegian export of environmental technology and green transport services.

Amund Drønen Ringdal,

Director National and International Politics
Norwegian Shipowners’ Association and Leader of the Steering Committee, Green Shipping Program

2018/2019 Phase 3

Remove barriers to green solutions

Objectives: The most important questions related to the green shift are answered through studies of barriers, opportunities and possible measures. The focus will be on cargo ships, speedboats, ferries, fishing vessels, services for the aquaculture industry and for the oil industry, as well as moving cargo from road to sea. 5 new pilots are started.

Expected outcomes: The government’s strategy for green competitiveness will be implemented through new green framework conditions and the establishment of early markets for use of green technologies. An additional number of buyers of maritime services and financial services actors will participate in the programme, and engage in the green shift. A CO2 fund will be created. A comprehensive national fuel infrastructure plan will be implemented with competitive and predictable energy prices. Shipping will compete on equal terms with road transport. A state guarantee scheme and favorable financing and loan arrangements will be established. The ground is prepared for hydrogen powered ships and autonomous vessels.

2019/2030 Phase 4

Scale the solutions

Objectives: Contribute to scale the solutions so that coastal shipping is noticeably more environmentally friendly and the emissions are cut. It is particularly important to make the markets for use of green technologies work fast. Through dialogue within the value chain and with the authorities, we will remove barriers and increase mutual understanding – making it easier to get concrete, green, cost-effective solutions. We shall be a united” industry” voice towards the authorities.

Expected outcomes: Large, profitable emission cuts, thousands of green jobs, increased competitiveness and an international leadership position within green shipping. Norwegian coastal shipping will have become a showcase to the world, and as the EU follows Norway, the Green Shipping Programme becomes a platform for export. A substantial green fuel infrastructure will be established and we will see an increasing number of autonomous zero-emission vessels in regular operation. The authorities will organize a more efficient terminal and port structure promoting maritime transport, domestically and in Europe.

Get in touch with the programme director

Narve Mjøs

Director, Green Shipping Programme

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