Equinor unveils maritime climate goals

Equinor has unveiled its ambitions for reducing emissions from its ships and how it will contribute to decarbonising shipping.

The company is aiming to halve maritime emissions in Norway by 2030, compared to 2005 emissions, by escalating its production and use of low carbon fuels; and to halve global emissions by 2050, compared to 2008 emissions, though an increase in production and use of zero emission fuels.

The maritime sector represents 6% of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Norway and 2–3% of global emissions. Being both a producer and a supplier of fuel to the maritime sector, Equinor has extensive maritime activity around the world, including around 175 vessels on contract with the company at any time.

‘As a producer and user of maritime fuel, Equinor has a good opportunity to help decarbonise shipping. From our position on the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS), we will develop new solutions contributing to substantial emission reductions together with the maritime industry in Norway and internationally,’ says Irene Rummelhoff, Equinor’s Executive Vice President for Marketing, Midstream and Processing.

Equinor was an early pioneer in using LNG as a fuel for shipping, and during 2021 it is planning to introduce large-scale use of LPG as a fuel. A new hybrid battery system has been introduced for seven supply vessels on the NCS, and the next generation of dual-fuel vessels is being introduced to the fleet continuously. The company has also, in collaboration with the maritime industry, started developing what is claimed to be the world’s first supply vessel to run on zero emission ammonia.

‘Equinor will play an important role in developing new zero emission fuels for ships, such as hydrogen and ammonia, in combination with carbon capture and storage. As a major maritime player and a producer of maritime fuels we can help establish new value chains in the sector, for example by pilot projects together with other players,’ says Rummelhoff.