Norway Inks Agreement with California to Cooperate on Zero Emission Goals

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Wednesday August 9, 2017

The Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) says Norway's climate and environmental minister Vidar Helgesen, during an official visit to California last week, signed an agreement with the U.S. state in support of cooperation toward zero emission goals.

"The deal with California provides opportunities for Norway. We have a lot to contribute in terms of green shipping, green data centres and climate-friendly production. Norway's goal of green competitiveness and the development of new environmentally friendly technology also requires international cooperation," said Helgesen.

"Norway can not find all the solutions alone. We have ambitious climate targets for 2030 and 2050, including zero emissions in the transport sector. Closer cooperation with California will help us achieve our goals."

Lasse Karlsen, Technical Director of the Norwegian Maritime Directorate, during the official trip last week, offered a report on green shipping at a seminar hosted by port authorities in San Francisco.

Specifically, Karlsen presented the Norwegian Maritime Directorate's work with various zero emission projects, including the battery-powered vessel Ampere and the organisation's various projects on hydrogen-powered vessels.

As Ship & Bunker reported in March, as a result of what it says is an observed increased interest in the use of hydrogen as a marine fuel, NMA announced plans to work with the industry in the development of the new technology.