FME MarTrans

The mission of FME Maritime Energy Transition (MarTrans) is to accelerate the energy transition of the maritime sector through cutting-edge research, innovation, and value chain collaboration. The maritime sector accounts today for 9% of Norway's GHG emissions and 12% of global transport emissions. Decarbonization of maritime transport faces fundamental challenges that will be addressed in the four Research Areas (RA) of MarTrans: Green alternative fuels are expensive, scarce, and voluminous, so the consumption needs to be drastically reduced through Energy-efficient shipping (RA1). For the new energy carriers to be used in a safe and effective way, there is a need for technological development within Onboard energy systems (RA2). Making clean energy available for ships requires new Port infrastructure for green energy (RA3). To realize the new maritime energy value chains, it is essential to complement technological advancements with a strong focus on economic and environmental impact, and regulatory measures to ensure Sustainable transition pathways (RA4). Innovation and uptake of results will be fostered through active industry collaboration in Use cases driven by ship owners with different ship types and specific challenges.

The R&D partners SINTEF, NTNU, NHH, UiT, DTU, Chalmers, VTT, IIASA and NTUA are at the international forefront of energy research for maritime applications. The research activities will be carried out in collaboration with more than 50 industry partners across entire maritime energy value chains. MarTrans will educate 15 PhDs and more than 80 MSc candidates and publish at least 150 peer-reviewed articles in internationally renowned journals with open access. The Centre is expected to result in at least 40 maritime energy innovations that will generate new high competence jobs and sustainable businesses with increased export value.

Main objective: Accelerate the maritime energy transition and reduce emissions from ships through R&D for innovation and value creation within the Norwegian maritime and energy industries

Secondary objectives:

1. Enable drastic reductions in the energy consumption of ships (RA1)
2. Enable safe and efficient use of new energy carriers onboard ships (RA2)
3. Enable reliable and cost-effective green energy supply in ports (RA3)
4. Establish sustainable energy transition pathways for the maritime sector (RA4)
5. Stimulate innovation and uptake of new solutions through industry-driven use cases (IA)

UiT will participate under RA2 and and co-supervise a PhD candidate at NTNU within the topic «Modular DC/DC converters for Battery Energy Storage and Fuel Cells».

Project leader: Trond Andreas Vikan Johansen

Project period: 2025-2032

Funded by: NFR/FME

Partners: SINTEF, NTNU, NHH, UiT, DTU, Chalmers, VTT, IIASA and NTUA plus 50+ industry partners.