Delivered in the form of a green ammonia tanker and a pair of hydrogen-powered ro-ro short sea vessels, the sanctioned funding could pave the way for further ecological developments in future yachts for sale.
With both projects aiming for a 2024 launch, there is already a potential list of future customers on the books including owners of ferries, energy firms and fishing boats.
With this commercial platform in place, it should only be a matter of time until hydrogen and green ammonia is found in the yachting industry, to lessen its own carbon footprint.
The Norwegian maritime industry is really at the forefront of developing emission-free solutions with great export potential.
Minister of Trade and Industry
The green ammonia tanker project is headed by Grieg Edge and Wartsila Norway and results from a collaboration project with industrial group ZEEDS (Zero Emissions Energy Distribution at Sea).
In what will be the first-ever green ammonia tanker in the world, the concept design is aptly known as MS Green Ammonia.
Feeling 'confident that this project represents the future for the maritime sector', Edge reports that interested parties are already considering the possibilities of mixing green ammonia with LNG (liquefied natural gas) fuel.
An important milestone for the maritime industry and for Norway as a nation when considering hydrogen as a fuel.
Senior Vice President
Industrial Investments at Wilhelmsen
In addition to the revolutionary tanker project, Norway is also jumping on board the hydrogen bandwagon with two ro-ro sea vessels in the pipeline.
Funded by Enova, a Norwegian government-owned organization, Wilhelmsen join the race for the first zero-emission hydrogen vessel.
Project Topeka initially aims to distribute between offshore supply bases, though the results from research and development could potentially be transferred to yachts.
With hybrid yachts already entering the market such as the Tankoa Yachts S501 and several custom yachts from names like Benetti, it could be just a matter of a year or two until hydrogen-powered yachts become the new norm for upcoming yacht designs.
If you are on the market to buy a yacht, or even a hybrid, take a look at all the currently available new and used yachts for sale.
