Ocean Hyway Cluster, together with strong partners, has started the feasibility study Green Maritime Energy Station (GMES) with support from Vestland county.

The project brings together key players from across the maritime energy value chain:

CCB Base Ågotnes: industrial port operator and case study for terminal development
Norwegian Hydrogen: production and distribution of hydrogen
Azane Fuel Solutions: ammonia fuel logistics and bunkering solutions
LH2 Shipping: developer of zero-emission vessels and LH2 infrastructure
Hyex Safety: will provide expert advisory services and carry out safety assessments to support the development of robust and secure energy station concepts

Why GMES?

To cut emissions in the maritime sector, we need flexible and cost-efficient solutions for supplying ships with green energy. The energy station shall provide bunkering of green fuels like hydrogen and ammonia, in combination with battery charging and shore power.

From 2030, shore power will be mandatory in large EU ports for cruise and container vessels, with similar requirements in Norway for ships above 5,000 GT. But investing heavily in grid connections that are only used in the summer season by cruise ships is neither efficient nor socio-economically sustainable. Instead, we must develop integrated models that combine green fuels and charging, with the possibility of boosting grid capacity through battery packs and fuel cells, avoiding costly and fragmented infrastructure investments.

One of the questions is:

Is it right to invest billions in shore power grids only for a handful of cruise calls, without a holistic and socio-economic strategy?

We believe the answer is no.

Coordinated solutions with integrated energy carriers offer better resource utilization, improved safety, circular value chain and a more robust service for shipowners and ports.

Added value

Co-location also opens opportunities for circular value chains, such as using surplus heat or by-products from fuel production and electricity generation locally. Standardized energy stations will support the development of green corridors along the Norwegian coast, secure economies of scale, increase demand for green energy, and stimulate value creation in Vestland.

What will the study deliver?

The study will:

Map maritime energy demand and grid capacity for the green maritime energy stations

Explore integrated concepts for green maritime energy stations

Analyze economics, business models and logistics

Assess safety and interaction between multiple energy carriers

The goal

The aim is to establish a knowledge platform that can guide the planning and development of future green maritime energy stations in Norway. With its strong position in green energy and maritime industry, Vestland is a natural pilot region.

This is not only a technology project, but also about regional value creation, jobs, and positioning Norway as a leader in green shipping.

We look forward to sharing results from the study and engaging in a broad dialogue with industry and stakeholders.

Contact

Would you like more information about the project? Feel free to get in touch.

Green Maritime Energy Station - GMES