Zinus, a Norwegian maritime technology innovator, has taken home this year’s top award for its pivotal role in advancing maritime electrification. The jury underscored the company’s rapidly expanding global presence and its tangible results in reducing emissions through smarter port solutions. Based on Norway’s west coast, Zinus has revolutionised how vessels connect to clean power. By automating shore power and charging systems, the company has streamlined electric port operations, making them simpler, safer, and significantly more efficient. Today, its high- and low-voltage cable management solutions are in commercial use from the Arctic to New Zealand, aiding shipowners and ports in cutting emissions and reducing operational complexity.
“Zinus is a company that not only pushes technology forward but accelerates the shift to zero-emission maritime solutions. They have transformed how vessels connect to clean energy. With global reach, they are now a key driver of maritime electrification around the world,” said Even T. Sagebakken, State Secretary for Ocean Policy, at the award ceremony on Thursday.
### Succeeding with Global Growth
In just a few years, Zinus has evolved from a promising start-up into a global exporter of advanced maritime technology. The company now delivers solutions to 19 countries across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. This year, it expanded with new offices in both the United States and Italy. Strategic partnerships with major industry players further demonstrate the company’s ability to scale.
“When a small Norwegian company goes from local quays to major ports worldwide, it proves that reliable, proven technology can travel. Zinus helps the industry cut emissions and streamline operations — and demonstrates that the transition isn’t just coming; it’s already underway,” says Håvard Tvedte, interim CEO of Maritime CleanTech.
The award is supported by the Agenda Vestlandet foundation of Sparebanken Norge and is based on nominations from Maritime CleanTech partners, with an industry-led jury selecting the winner. Each year, this prestigious award recognises companies driving transformative changes across the maritime sector.
“We’re pleased to support the work of Maritime CleanTech and its ambitious partners — and to honour a company like Zinus, which truly represents the bold and forward-thinking entrepreneurial spirit driving the green transition at sea,” says Marion Remøy, Head of Ocean at Sparebanken Norge.
### The Essence of Norwegian Innovation
Within the Maritime CleanTech ecosystem, Zinus is an active contributor, sharing insights and participating in collaborative initiatives that accelerate the adoption of green technologies. A recent milestone is the partnership with Wärtsilä, Corvus, and The Switch on the world’s largest all-electric ferry, soon to operate between Argentina and Uruguay—a project showcasing both global relevance and Norwegian innovation strength. The jury concludes that Zinus represents the best of Norway’s maritime innovation model: bold, collaborative, and globally competitive.
“Among all those great companies, we are proud to receive such recognition for our work. We succeed because of our proven technology and our competent and dedicated employees. This is a highly ranked award in the maritime industry,” says Bjørn Sturle Hillestad, Vice President at Zinus.
Zinus now joins an exclusive group of previous award winners, including Corvus Energy, Wilhelmsen, Østensjø, LMG Marin, Norled, and SEAM.
### Maritime CleanTech
Maritime CleanTech is one of the world’s leading innovation networks for sustainable shipping. Representing 150 partners across the full maritime value chain, the organisation accelerates the development and implementation of new technology solutions. Its portfolio includes pioneering projects on electrification, fuel solutions, and energy efficiency, all designed to make cleaner shipping a global reality.