Background
In recent years, the automotive industry has made significant progress toward net‑zero emissions. Nevertheless, there are still considerable emissions from parts of the value chain, including car production and transport. Most vehicles are transported and distributed by sea. New, green marine fuels are essential to drastically reduce emissions from shipping.
However, the risk associated with investing in new fuel technologies is too great for shipping companies to bear alone, which limits investments in vessels capable of using green, alternative fuels.
Even vessels that are technically able to use alternative fuels often rely on conventional distillate fuels due to the substantial price difference between fuel types.
To achieve climate goals, the value chain for green maritime fuels must be developed step by step. We need to act now.
Objectives of the pilot study
This pilot project aims to improve the understanding of shipowners’ risk when investing, and to build on an initiative from the Director of the Norwegian Public Roads Administration to investigate how authorities can stimulate increased use of green marine fuels in car transportation.
The goals of the pilot study are to:
- Identify opportunities and risks associated with using green maritime fuels for transporting cars to Norway, including the fuel cost gap.
- Identify opportunities, consequences, and costs of government incentives to increase the use of green maritime fuels in car transport to Norway.
Final goal of the pilot
Construction and operation of a car carrier powered by green fuel, transporting cars to Norway.
Status
The pilot started in June 2025 with 20 partners participating. The work is organized into four work packages:
- Business case, Cost and Finance – led by UECC
- Governmental Incentives – led by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration
- Fuel supply – led by Yara and the Port of Drammen
- Ship and Technology – led by UECC
October 2025
The pilot study examines car carriers and climate‑neutral transport of cars to Norway. It considers ship design, cost differences compared to conventional operation, and relevant incentives.
- Ship design – Exploring adaptations to reduce fuel costs, such as wind‑assisted propulsion (sails).
- Fuel supply – Focus on availability and safety in the Port of Drammen, where these vessels call.
- Incentives – Identifying incentives that could increase the likelihood of realizing a green car carrier.
January 2026
Around 20 car carriers are now under construction. For these ships, it may be possible to use ammonia as fuel (so‑called “ammonia‑capable vessels”). However, in practice, ammonia will not be adopted as fuel without clear regulatory requirements from authorities. For shipowners, the business case for such vessels is currently not favorable.
The pilot has developed an overview of relevant regulations that influence the cost structure.
THEMA, a partner in the pilot, has developed a model examining the costs and effects of policy instruments for the relevant route Rotterdam–Drammen.
The pilot is also assessing fuel supply. The focus is to evaluate whether ammonia can be bunkered in the Port of Drammen during loading/unloading to avoid additional logistical costs while ensuring safety in a harbor close to the city.
The pilot is also examining ship design for a potential vessel.
The technology exists, but is not yet profitable. The project is exploring technology, design options, and scenarios that could make ammonia economically viable — for example, by also incorporating modern sails.