On February 5, 2025, the official opening of FME MarTrans – Centre for Maritime Energy Transition took place. The centre will be one of the world leading research centres for environment-friendly energy in the shipping industry, with NTNU playing a central role.
“This is a dream come true and something I have looked forward to as CEO of SINTEF: A development where maritime transport is renewed and undergoes a digital transformation,” said Alexandra Bech Gjørv, who was joined by NHO leader Ole Erik Almlid at the opening of FME MarTrans.
Over the course of eight years, NTNU, SINTEF Ocean, and 65 partners from across the industry value chain will work hard to accelerate the transition to zero-emission shipping.
Norway’s maritime industry generates over NOK 600 billion in revenue, with NOK 300 billion in annual export income.
In our daily lives, we often don’t realize that this is one of Norway’s largest export industries.
Net zero by 2050
The shipping industry accounts for 3–4% of global greenhouse gas emissions. In Norway, this footprint is even larger due to the country’s long coastline (the second longest in the world) and significant maritime activity.
In Norway the shipping industry accounts for nearly 8% of annual greenhouse gas and 24% of emissions in the transport sector.
In the coming years, the industry must rapidly transition to more environmentally friendly solutions.
During the opening, NHO leader Ole Erik Almlid took the opportunity to discuss Norwegian and European competitiveness.
A tool for maritime decarbonization and competitiveness
Almlid highlighted the importance of strengthening Europe’s competitive position.
“Norway and Europe’s competitiveness has been a major topic since Mario Draghi, former Prime Minister and Central Bank Governor of Italy, wrote a report stating that European competitiveness is too weak,” Almlid said before the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Almlid sees FME MarTrans as a tool to accelerate decarbonization in the maritime sector while enhancing competitiveness.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set a goal for net-zero emissions in the maritime sector by 2050.
“To achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, we need both business innovation and research. This is a big day, and I extend my congratulations!” said Almlid.
NTNU’s role in MarTrans
NTNU will lead a work package focused on energy efficiency across the entire shipping industry. This includes: More energy-efficient hulls and propulsion systems. Better logistics and fleet utilization. Harnessing offshore wind energy, wave power, and solar panels on offshore installations.
NTNU will also contribute to subtasks in other work packages, including:
- Research on new fuel types
- Electrification
- Smart ports
“The greenest energy is the energy that is not used. We need to figure this out at the vessel level, fleet level, system level, and in terms of operations,” said Professor Stein Ove Erikstad from NTNU’s Department of Marine Technology, who will lead one of the work packages.
FME MarTrans will announce a total of 16 PhD positions and aims to supervise 10 master’s theses annually.
Several NTNU departments and research groups are involved, including: Department of Marine Technology, Department of Industrial Economics and Technology Management, Department of Electric Power Engineering, and Industrial Ecology.
The transition is a business opportunity
The opening event was attended by 60 industry partners, including Norwegian shipping companies, shipbuilders, engine suppliers, propulsion system manufacturers, classification societies, and other key maritime industry stakeholders.
Several companies presented their initiatives to achieve zero emissions: Short-sea shipping operators are transitioning to fully electric solutions and have no conventional ships on order.
Deep-sea shipping companies are exploring different strategies:
- Some have transitioned to LNG-powered (liquefied natural gas) vessels.
- Others have ordered ships running on methanol or ammonia.
- Companies are optimizing speed and fuel consumption using AI-driven models and ballast strategies.
- Some are betting on hydrogen as a future energy source.
Each company is pursuing different technological solutions, reflecting the diverse strategies in the transition to zero-emission shipping.
A NOK 300 million investment in the future
The total funding for FME MarTrans amounts to NOK 300 million, with contributions from the Research Council of Norway and industry partners.
Read more about FME MarTrans at martrans.no