‘Nordic Roadmap’ to supercharge decarbonisation drive
A group of Nordic companies, headed by classification society DNV, is to develop a roadmap for the introduction of sustainable zero-carbon fuels across the Nordic region, including the possible launching of ‘green corridors’ and the necessary fuel-related infrastructure. The four-year contract, which is being funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers, was awarded by the Norwegian Ministry of Climate and Environment. DNV will work with partners including Chalmers University, IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, MAN Energy Solutions, Menon Economics, and Litehauz.
The initiative has already received strong support from a range of other parties across the region. They include Wärtsilä, DFDS, Yara, Gasum, Swedbank, the Port of Oslo, Centre of High North Logistics/Nord University, the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association, the Norwegian Maritime Administration, and Samorka. DNV expects more entities to become involved, both directly and in specific pilot projects.
The partners will focus on ‘sustainable zero-carbon fuels’ from a well-to-wake perspective. A Fuel Scorecard will be used to apply key performance indicators on fuel performance and sustainability. Regulatory and safety issues will also be assessed.
Norway’s Minister of Climate and Environment, Espen Barth Eide, commented: “This is a project that takes cooperation for green shipping in the Nordic region several steps further and will make an operational contribution to the roll-out of sustainable zero-emission fuels in the Nordic region. We have many shipping routes … and a close maritime cooperation that gives us many advantages in the development of green maritime solutions.”