By
Alex Smith |
Hurtigruten has requested funding from the Norwegian government for the Sea Zero project, which aims to build its first zero emission ship by 2030.
The planned ship would operate along the coastal route between the Norwegian ports of Bergen and Kirkenes. Hurtigruten is leading the development project in close cooperation with several Norwegian maritime suppliers.
“We could have waited for others to develop the technology, but Norway would then miss a great opportunity,” said Hedda Felin, CEO of Hurtigruten Norway. “But it is decisive that the Norwegian government financially support the development, enabling Norwegian maritime industry to develop the best zero emission technology and thus contribute to Norwegian value creation. Hurtigruten are ready to do our part to through development of a new zero emission ship suited for the Norwegian coastline.”
In August, the partners conducted a feasibility study exploring possible technology and fuel options, which pointed to batteries as a possible option for the vessels. Scientists and engineers from research institute SINTEF will examine all the systems and equipment in the new ship design to ensure each ship consumes the least energy possible.
Partners in the project include SINTEF; Brunvoll; Cavotec; Vard; Corvus Energy; DNV; Sustainable Energy Catapult; Teknotherm; Plug; Jotun; the Norwegian Maritime Authority; and Bergen Port.
“Brunvoll has long traditions for development of new technology and welcome the focus on more zero emission,” said Knut Andresen, executive vice president of engineering and product development at Brunvoll. “This is an important project, both to state Norway’s position in ship design, equipment, and building, and for Brunvoll to contribute to a more sustainable future.”