Norwegian shortsea operator Hagland Shipping has secured NOK 235.9 million in state support to convert four bulk carriers to fully electric operation.

The funding comes through Enova as part of a programme announced on November 5, 2026. The project will introduce swappable batteries on routes along the Norwegian coast and between Norway and Northern Europe.

40 MWh of battery capacity per vessel

Each of the four bulk carriers, including Hagland Progress, will receive a 40 MWh battery system. Following conversion, the vessels are intended to complete designated voyages without conventional marine fuel.

They will also be fitted with wing sails, using wind assistance to reduce electricity consumption.

Enova sees the project as an opportunity to introduce some of the first fully battery-powered bulk carriers operating internationally from Norway.

Battery swapping instead of lengthy charging stops

The vessels will exchange depleted batteries for fully charged units at designated ports, reducing the need for extended charging stops alongside.

Norwegian company Zen will operate the battery-swapping and charging system. Vessel schedules will depend on shore infrastructure and the availability of charged batteries for subsequent voyages.

Infrastructure planned in Mandal

The Port of Kristiansand has separately received NOK 15 million to develop charging and battery-swapping infrastructure at Gismerøya in Mandal.

Operations are planned to begin in late 2028. Hagland acknowledges that infrastructure, operational and regulatory issues still need to be resolved.

Part of a NOK 420 million programme

Hagland’s grant is the largest allocation in Enova’s new NOK 420 million funding package, covering 12 battery-powered vessels and two charging facilities.

Other projects include a new Bulk Loaders cargo vessel with 15 MWh of battery capacity, two Grieg New Energy aquaculture service vessels and five small electric workboats for Steinarbo Invest.

Enova estimates that the supported projects collectively could reduce annual CO₂ emissions by approximately 21,300 tonnes.

Moving beyond hybrid propulsion

Hagland has already invested in vessels combining batteries and wind assistance. The latest programme aims to move four ships to fully electric operation on selected routes.

Funding provides a foundation for the conversions, but the vessels and supporting infrastructure are not yet ready for operation. Delivery will depend on completing the technical work and establishing the port-based battery-swapping network.