Norwegian state decarbonisation agency Enova has announced that it is providing NOK 200 million (about USD 20.2 million) in support for building two battery-electric container ships.

Eitzen Avanti, part of Eitzen Group, is the company which will be receiving support for the groundbreaking project to build two battery-powered container ships for emission-free shipping.

The ships will have battery packs of over 100 MWh and will be able to transport 850 containers between Norway, Sweden and Germany.

These two battery-electric vessels could, when being delivered, become the world’s largest battery-powered container ships, as Enova mentions in its statement.

Andreas Forsnes Jahn, senior advisor in maritime transport at Enova, says that “These projects show in their own way what is possible with battery electrification in shipping. The technology is now mature, and the projects exist,” adding that, “I would also like to praise Eitzen Avanti for being a groundbreaking company, which dares to invest in new, green technology. Their commitment and willingness to lead the way shows the way for the entire industry.”