DOSSIER

 

Norway’s U-turn on zero-emission fjords delays climate goals and future fuels progress, says Ocean Hyway Cluster


Written by Tom Barlow-Brown


The Norwegian government's postponement of its ambitious plan to make the country’s UNESCO World Heritage fjords emission-free by 2026 is being viewed as a significant setback for Norway's broader climate goals.

The new plan will push the final deadline to 2032, with only vessels under 10,000 GT will being required to comply with zero-emissions regulations from 1 January 2026, including some cruise vessels. However, larger ships have been given an extension which is being welcomed by some operators. Nevertheless, the decision has sparked concerns that it will stall progress in decarbonising the maritime industry and dampen investment in zero-emission solutions, particularly for companies that had been working to develop green maritime technologies

The move to push back the zero-emission requirement for ships entering fjords like the Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord was especially disheartening for Norway’s Ocean Hyway Cluster, a consortium that comprises over 70 members working to develop the value chains for hydrogen and ammonia, including establishing the necessary bunkering infrastructure to support these green technologies.

Speaking to Bunkerspot, Kristin Svardal, CEO of Ocean Hyway Cluster, expressed frustration over the delay and its impact on Norway’s climate ambitions. ‘We have committed in the Paris Agreement and many other agreements that we should cut emissions; we should halve emissions by 2030. When we have decisions like this, we will not be able to reach the goals,’ Svardal said.

Her sentiment reflects the widespread disappointment among stakeholders who argue that clear policy signals are essential for driving technological innovation. The postponement of the zero-emission requirement is seen as a missed opportunity to accelerate the development of alternative fuel value chains, which are critical to the maritime sector’s decarbonisation.

The fjords of Norway, known for their breathtaking natural beauty, attract millions of tourists annually, and green tourism is seen as a key strategy to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability. It is thought that the government’s delay could threaten Norway’s climate goals and also undercut the potential for promoting eco-friendly tourism experiences.

Svardal highlighted the untapped potential for sustainable tourism in the fjords: ‘I definitely think there's a market for green tourism, and I think the upcoming generation is more aware of the climate challenge, which makes it a whole different experience.’ She also suggested that the tourism industry could adapt to more sustainable models, including the use of smaller, zero-emission vessels and flexible transport options. ‘For the whole green shift, we need to think in new ways. For example, with passenger ferries, maybe the route tables must change,’ Svardal added.

Norway’s delay in implementing the zero-emission policy has also raised concerns that the country could lose its early-mover advantage in developing sustainable cruise and ferry technologies. While some Norwegian shipbuilders have made significant strides—launching battery-powered and hybrid vessels—there are fears that the delay could deter further investments in the green maritime sector.

Despite the setback, progress is still being made in the development of green maritime fuels like hydrogen and ammonia. Kjellbjorn Kopperstad, a Project Manager in the cluster administration who is involved in efforts to establish hydrogen bunkering infrastructure, explained to Bunkerspot that the basis for a large network of terminals throughout the country is already in place.

Kopperstad highlighted some of the big hydrogen projects currently moving forward, with helping from the Norwegian government’s Enova fund. ‘We have now seen the first production plant ready and more will come online by next year,’ said Kopperstad. ‘We know a lot of our members are applying this grant to production plants for hydrogen,’ he shared.

However, the delay in the fjord policy could slow the broader rollout of these technologies. The development of hydrogen plants is crucial for enabling the maritime industry to shift away from fossil fuels, but these efforts require coordinated action across the entire value chain—from production to bunkering and consumption.

Infrastructure for other fuels necessary for the green shift is also being established. One of the first planned ammonia bunkering terminals, according to Svardal, is in the region of Florø. Yara, a global leader in fertiliser production and green ammonia, has already committed to purchasing 15 floating terminals, which will serve as key nodes in the emerging green fuel network. Bunkerspot previously reported on the expansion of the growth of future fuels in Norway, covering distribution of Enova funding to various projects, including construction of the first ammonia bunker terminal by Azane Fuel Solutions.

The Norwegian government’s decision to delay the zero-emission requirement has reignited debate over the role of public policy in driving innovation. Industry leaders, including those in the Ocean Hyway Cluster, have stressed that strong policy signals, such as carbon pricing or contracts for difference, are essential for incentivising the development and adoption of green technologies. Without clear governmental commitment, they warn, investments in zero-emission solutions could falter, and Norway risks falling behind in the global race towards decarbonisation.

Kopperstad pointed out that government grants have been instrumental in kick-starting hydrogen projects, but more comprehensive policies are needed to scale these technologies. ‘We have now seen the first production plants ready and more will come by next year, thanks to support from the Norwegian government,’ he said. Nonetheless, he added that more action is needed to ensure that these technologies are commercially viable and widely adopted across the maritime industry.Although the delay has been a disappointment, there is still optimism that Norway can realise its vision of zero-emission fjords. The development of smaller, hybrid, and electric vessels for tourism offers a way to promote sustainable tourism in the short term, even as larger cruise ships continue to rely on fossil fuels.

Moreover, the groundwork being laid for green fuel bunkering ensures that when the technology for larger ships is ready, the necessary fuel supply will be in place. As Svardal noted, ‘We had the possibility to showcase how to handle the tourists in a new way.’ The delay, while frustrating, does not close the door on Norway’s green maritime future—it merely postpones it.

Norway’s ultimate success in decarbonising its fjords will depend on continued investment, innovation, and, most critically, the alignment of government policy with industry efforts. As the maritime industry navigates the transition to zero emissions, the eyes of the world will be on Norway to see if it can turn its fjords into a beacon of sustainable tourism and maritime innovation.

Source : Bunkerspot

 

 

  LMB-BML 2007 Webmaster & designer: Cmdt. André Jehaes - email andre.jehaes@lmb-bml.be