Norway backs battery-powered cargo ships in major electrification programme
Norway’s state-owned energy transition agency Enova has awarded approximately NOK 420 million in funding for 12 battery-powered vessels and two charging facilities, supporting projects intended to expand fully electric operations in commercial shipping.
The funding covers the conversion of existing cargo vessels, the construction of new cargo ships and the development of battery-powered service vessels for the aquaculture industry. According to Enova, the supported projects could collectively reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 21,300 tonnes annually if implemented as planned.
The programme places particular emphasis on moving beyond hybrid propulsion systems towards vessels capable of operating entirely on battery power. It also supports charging and battery-swapping infrastructure designed to reduce the time vessels spend in port.
Hagland Shipping plans battery-powered bulk carriers
Hagland Shipping has been allocated approximately NOK 235.9 million to convert four bulk carriers for fully electric operation on routes along the Norwegian coast and between Norway and other Northern European countries.
Each vessel is planned to receive a battery system with a capacity of 40 MWh, supported by energy-saving wing sails. Rather than relying exclusively on onboard charging during port calls, the vessels will use a battery-swapping system that allows depleted batteries to be replaced with charged units.
The company Zen will manage battery swapping and charging operations, while Kristiansand Havn IKS has received NOK 15 million to develop associated infrastructure at Gismerøya in Mandal. Operations are scheduled to begin towards the end of 2028.
The project is intended to demonstrate the feasibility of operating bulk carriers entirely on battery power across international routes. However, Hagland Shipping has acknowledged that infrastructure arrangements, operational requirements and regulatory matters still need to be resolved before implementation.
Additional funding supports cargo and aquaculture vessels
Oslo-based Bulk Loaders AS has secured approximately NOK 89.2 million in funding for a new battery-powered cargo vessel intended to transport goods for the offshore industry along the Norwegian coast, primarily between Stavanger and Kristiansund.
The vessel will have a planned battery capacity of 15 MWh and will mainly charge through shore power while loading and unloading cargo. Designed to handle both dry cargo and liquid products, it is expected to replace an older vessel and potentially transfer some freight movements from road transport to shipping.
Enova has also awarded approximately NOK 64.5 million to Grieg New Energy for two battery-powered aquaculture service vessels and a charging facility. Steinarbo Invest will receive NOK 15 million to construct five smaller battery-powered workboats for the aquaculture sector.
The funding reflects Norway’s continuing investment in maritime electrification. According to Enova, the number of fully or partially battery-powered vessels operating in the country has increased from one in 2015 to 561 in 2026, with the agency having supported 378 of those vessels.
Enova also reported that applicants now request less than half the average subsidy per unit of battery capacity compared with two years earlier. The agency views this reduction as an indication that battery-powered vessel projects are becoming less dependent on public financial support.
While the newly announced projects remain subject to implementation and operational challenges, they could provide practical experience in the use of large-scale battery systems and charging infrastructure for commercial cargo transport.
