The Nordic region has inaugurated Phase 2 of its "Nordic Roadmap for the introduction of sustainable zero-carbon fuels in shipping: Implementation and realisation 2025–2027."
This programme, managed by DNV with support from partners including Everllence, IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, Icelandic New Energy, Sintef Ocean, and VTT, seeks to expedite the transition to emission-free maritime transport across Nordic countries.
Collaborative efforts in green shipping
A Task Force will be formed to explore innovative union and financing strategies to hasten
Building on Phase 1's successes, Phase 2 will focus on identifying and developing two to three promising Nordic green shipping corridors. By addressing significant obstacles, particularly cost-related challenges, this phase aims to further progress.
A Task Force will be implemented to explore innovative collaboration and financing strategies to hasten the shift to zero-carbon shipping routes between Nordic ports.
Monitoring progress and collaboration
A new Barometer will monitor annual progress, benchmarking the region's advancement against the established goals in the Fuel Transition Roadmap for Nordic Shipping from Phase 1.
Additionally, efforts will be made to enhance the Nordic Collaboration Platform, which serves as a hub for knowledge exchange, policy discussion, and collaborative research activities. Increased engagement with cargo owners and the finance sector is a key focus, crucial for achieving green, competitive Nordic shipping.
Statements from industry pioneers
The project aims to transform planning into action by enhancing collaboration among stakeholders
Norway’s Minister of Climate and Environment, Andreas Bjelland Eriksen, expressed optimism about the initiative, stating: “The Nordic countries have a strong green maritime industry, and through good cooperation, the Nordic region has great opportunities to establish zero-emission shipping routes. This collaborative project will pave the way for that."
He added that the project aims to transform planning into action by enhancing collaboration among stakeholders and exploring financial solutions for green shipping.
Commitment to zero-carbon shipping
Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO of Maritime at DNV, remarked: “In a time of mounting uncertainty, the maritime industry must stay resilient and focused on the long-term horizon."
He adds, "As we move into Phase 2 of the Nordic Roadmap, collaboration across borders and the value chain will be key to unlocking zero-emission solutions and reaching our 2050 decarbonisation goals.”
Focus on innovation and implementation
Everllence's Vice President, Ole Pyndt Hansen, noted the importance of continued collaboration: “We are proud to contribute to Phase 2 of the Nordic Roadmap. Phase 1 marked a significant milestone, laying a strong foundation for a more sustainable maritime future."
Ole adds, "Building on that success, we are excited to continue this vital journey toward zero-carbon shipping, transforming ambition into action through close collaboration across the Nordic region.”
Future pathway for Nordic ports
Jón Björn Skúlason of Icelandic New Energy highlighted the challenge of greening the fishing fleet
Erik Fridell from IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute emphasised that strengthened Nordic collaboration and increased focus on policy opportunities will support green shipping corridors' realisation.
Jón Björn Skúlason of Icelandic New Energy highlighted the challenge of greening the fishing fleet and the significance of local stakeholder contribution in the roadmap project.
Addressing complex challenges
Markus Rautanen, leading the Hydrogen Applications Team at VTT, stated: “Decarbonising shipping is not just a technological challenge - it’s a systemic transformation that demands collaboration across research, industry, and policymakers. At VTT, we are committed to driving innovation to accelerate this transition and strengthen the Nordic region’s leadership in sustainable maritime transport.”
Finally, Trond Johsen of SINTEF Ocean noted the support the Phase 2 project will provide to the industry and governments through insights and tools essential for overcoming implementation challenges. "The roadmap tells the industry where to go, but is less detailed on what to pack and how to afford the tickets," he commented.
The Nordic countries are taking an important step towards decarbonising maritime transport with the launch of Phase 2 of the “Nordic Roadmap for the introduction of sustainable zero-carbon fuels in shipping: Implementation and realisation 2025–2027.”
Managed by DNV and supported by partners Everllence, IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, Icelandic New Energy, Sintef Ocean, and VTT, the programme aims to accelerate the transition to emission-free shipping across the region.
New approaches to collaboration
Building on the achievements of the first phase, phase 2 of the Nordic Roadmap will identify promising Nordic green corridors and drive the development of two to three corridors towards realisation. The program will tackle key barriers through targeted actions, with particular attention to cost challenges.
A dedicated Task Force will explore new approaches to collaboration and financing to accelerate the transition to zero-carbon shipping and advance the realisation of green corridors between Nordic ports.
Goals and actions in the Fuel Transition Roadmap
Transition progress will be monitored annually through a new Barometer, assessing the region’s advancement against the goals and actions in the Fuel Transition Roadmap for Nordic Shipping developed in Phase 1. The programme will also aim to further strengthen the Nordic Collaboration Platform as a regional hub for knowledge exchange, policy dialogue, research and development, and related initiatives.
Building on strong industry support, Phase 2 will place increased emphasis on engaging cargo owners and the finance sector - key stakeholders in delivering green and competitive Nordic shipping.
Zero-emission shipping routes
Andreas Bjelland Eriksen, Norway’s Minister of Climate and Environment, said: “The Nordic countries have a strong green maritime industry, and through good cooperation, the Nordic region has great opportunities to establish zero-emission shipping routes. This collaborative project will pave the way for that."
“This new phase of the project aims to strengthen collaboration among industry stakeholders and explore how we can finance green shipping routes. We are moving from planning to action, and I look forward to following the project as it progresses,” he added.
Zero-carbon shipping
Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO Maritime, DNV, said: “In a time of mounting uncertainty, the maritime industry must stay resilient and focused on the long-term horizon. As we move into Phase 2 of the Nordic Roadmap, collaboration across borders and the value chain will be key to unlocking zero-emission solutions and reaching our 2050 decarbonisation goals.”
Ole Pyndt Hansen, Vice President Everllence: “We are proud to contribute to Phase 2 of the Nordic Roadmap. Phase 1 marked a significant milestone, laying a strong foundation for a more sustainable maritime future. Building on that success, we are excited to continue this vital journey toward zero-carbon shipping, transforming ambition into action through close collaboration across the Nordic region.”
Realisation of green shipping corridors
Erik Fridell, Manager - Transport and mobility, IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, said: “Besides strengthened Nordic collaboration, increased focus on policy opportunities and port readiness for marine fuels will support the realisation of green shipping corridors in the Nordics.”
Jón Björn Skúlason, CEO, Icelandic New Energy, said: “The participation of Iceland is very important in such a key roadmap project for the Nordic countries. The maritime sector will be very challenging specifically when it comes to greening the fishing fleet. Future policy decisions will impact the pace and we local stakeholders have to contribute towards the future green roadmap.”
Technological challenge
Markus Rautanen, Hydrogen Applications Team Lead, VTT, said: “Decarbonising shipping is not just a technological challenge - it’s a systemic transformation that demands collaboration across research, industry, and policymakers. At VTT, we are committed to driving innovation to accelerate this transition and strengthen the Nordic region’s leadership in sustainable maritime transport. The partners in this project form an excellent core team to push this change forward.”
Trond Johsen, Centre Director, SINTEF Ocean, said: “The roadmap tells the industry where to go, but is less detailed on what to pack and how to afford the tickets. With the Phase 2 project we will support the industry and the governments with insights and tools to get through the ever-challenging implementation process.”
