At the Digital Ship Bergen conference, Nils Haktor Bua, Head of New Maritime Technology at the Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA), didn’t mince words about Norway’s pivotal role in steering the global maritime industry towards sustainability. Bua made it clear that striking a balance between technological innovation and robust safety measures is non-negotiable, especially with the net-zero emissions target looming large in 2050. The NMA, unlike many flag states, isn’t just a regulatory body; it’s a proactive partner in innovation, ensuring that technological advancements don’t come at the cost of human lives or vessel integrity.
Bua emphasized that the NMA is central to developing new maritime technologies in Norway, aiming to shape regulations that promote sustainable implementation. “The NMA should be a partner in that development,” Bua asserted. “We shouldn’t hold back, but we should make it a safe transition.” This proactive stance means the NMA is not just overseeing Norwegian-flagged vessels but actively helping to shape the future of maritime technology.
Sustainability is the driving force, but safety remains the priority. Bua stressed that no technological advancements should compromise the industry’s workforce or passengers. The NMA’s role is to enable shipowners and technology providers to introduce new technologies safely. This is where things get interesting. The industry’s shift towards alternative fuels is accelerating, with LNG, battery-electric propulsion, methanol, hydrogen, and ammonia gaining traction. Norway is at the forefront of this transition, with high-profile projects like the Hydra ferry and Viking Energy leading the way.
The Hydra ferry, launched in June 2023, became the world’s first vessel to operate using liquefied hydrogen. It’s a significant milestone, but Bua acknowledged that each vessel presents unique operational challenges. The upcoming Viking Energy project, equipped with an ammonia-powered engine, is another step forward. However, Bua warned that ammonia, while promising, presents unique safety challenges due to its toxicity. The NMA is crucial in ensuring that ammonia-fuelled vessels operate safely, protecting crew members, port workers, and surrounding communities.
Automation and digitalisation are also transforming the maritime sector. The Bastø Fosen ferry, with its fully automated docking and sailing operations, is a prime example. But Bua cautioned that automation isn’t just about replacing human operators with AI. “There’s so much more to consider,” he said, highlighting the complexity of vessels and the need for detailed planning in automating functions like cargo handling, engine operations, and emergency response. It takes years to develop good regulations, and even then, they evolve. After a decade with battery ships, we’re just starting to create more fixed regulations for battery installations.
One of the biggest challenges in adopting new maritime technologies is the lack of established regulations. Traditional fuels and ship designs have decades of regulatory frameworks supporting them, but emerging technologies require entirely new safety standards. The NMA follows the IMO’s Alternative Design Process, a risk-based approach that assesses each emerging design individually. This process involves identifying risks and applying safety measures, ensuring that each new fuel or technology has individualised containment strategies, operational guidelines, and emergency procedures.
Bua used real-world incidents to emphasize the importance of thorough regulatory processes. The Ytterøyningen ferry fire, caused by an onboard battery explosion, serves as a reminder that even trusted technologies can present risks. Despite no lives lost, the incident highlights the need for continuous learning and reassessment of safety regulations. This cautious yet progressive approach will likely be applied to hydrogen and ammonia in the coming years.
Looking ahead, Bua stressed the urgency of the situation. “If we’re going to manage to do Net Zero in 2050, we actually need to do things now,” he said. Thousands of new low-emission vessels need to enter service within the next few years if the industry is to meet its climate goals. Norway is involved in shaping international guidelines for new fuels, with the IMO finalising its first set of ammonia guidelines in 2023 and similar regulations for hydrogen expected soon. The development of the Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) Code is also underway, setting the foundations for the safe operation of autonomous vessels across international waters.
The NMA is committed to supporting shipowners and technology providers during this transition. But the real question is, will other countries follow Norway’s lead? Will they embrace the challenge of balancing innovation with safety, or will they lag behind, risking both their environmental and economic futures? The maritime industry is at a crossroads, and the choices made today will shape the sector for decades to come. It’s not just about going green; it’s about doing it safely and sustainably. The future of maritime is here, and it’s up to us to navigate it responsibly.
