Norway Aims For World's Greenest Coastal Fleet

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Monday January 19, 2015

Classification body DNV GL Friday announced it has signed, along with Norwegian government ministers and coastal shipping industry players, its Green Coastal Shipping programme.

The declaration aims to make Norway's coastal fleet the world's most environmentally friendly.

"We envisage a fleet of offshore vessels, tankers, cargo, container, bulk and passenger ships, ferries, fishing and aquaculture vessels, tugs and other coastal vessels, run entirely or partly using batteries, LNG or other green fuels," said Green Coastal Shipping programme director Narve Mjøs.

DNV GL's Deputy Group CEO Remi Eriksen added "we can achieve this if we want to."

"The technology is there, but we have to scale up its use considerably in order to maintain our international position."

DNV GL said Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and battery power are set to comprise a considerable share of the global fleet and Norway is already in a world leading position in this regard.

"The green shift in the maritime industry will both resolve environmental challenges and create value," said Tine Sundtoft, Norway's Climate and Environment minister.

Last month DNV GL introduced a "Gas Ready" notation to help shipowners who may want to convert vessels to LNG bunkers in the future.