Enova has awarded Northshore and PLUG a total of NOK 253 million to build two battery-electric platform supply vessels and partnering with PLUG, establish a high-capacity charging facility at Polarbase in Hammerfest. The application was submitted in partnership with the Grønt Skipsfartsprogram during Enova’s September 2025 funding round.
Of the grant awarded to Northshore, NOK 200 million will be used for the battery systems powering the two vessels, while NOK 50 million is allocated to developing the necessary charging infrastructure.
The range is groundbreaking: approximately 655 nautical miles of electric propulsion, which corresponds to 1200 kilometers, the same distance as between Oslo and Tromsø. On a single charge.
“When battery operation works offshore, it shows that the technology is ripe for demanding conditions and longer operation without access to charging. The experience gained here is expected to pave the way for further emission cuts in the offshore industry nationally and internationally,” says Andreas Forsnes Jahn, acting head of maritime transport in Enova SF.
The vessels have been designed by Naval Dynamics, a leading design company within zero-emission solutions for the maritime sector. The vessels will be the first of their kind in the world, and mark an important step towards emission-free operation in the offshore segment.
“Developing new concepts for zero-emission solutions is demanding. Industrial collaboration with competent professional communities across disciplines is crucial to success. We are very grateful for the collaboration with the Green Shipping Program, ship designer Naval Dynamics, supplier of the charging system PLUG, and the brokerage house Affinity Offshore Oslo,” says Østen Mortvedt, CEO of Northshore.
The project involves the development of a battery-powered supply ship that will be able to supply offshore installations without CO₂ emissions. The concept is particularly adapted to operations in the Barents Sea, with sufficient battery capacity to serve existing fields – and with the possibility of scaling up the capacity for new needs in the future.
The solution shows that it is entirely possible to operate efficient supply of offshore installations based on vessels with zero CO₂ emissions. The technology is mainly based on known technology, combined in a unique and innovative configuration that can set a new standard for future offshore operations.
“The award from Enova is a strong signal that Norway is committed to green maritime solutions. This support makes it possible for us to realize a technology that can set a new standard for emission-free offshore operations. For Northshore, this means both value creation, competence building and an important step towards a more sustainable future,” says Mortvedt. ” We are very pleased that Enova has given the project great attention. The award is a clear seal of quality for our concept and our commitment to green maritime innovation.”
The vessels are scheduled to be put into operation in 2029. Enova’s figures show that this will reduce CO₂ emissions by 3759 tonnes annually compared to a modern diesel ship. Compared to an older supply ship, the emission cut is almost twice as large.
The project is financed in collaboration with Silver Sea AS.
