Nordic Innovation: Promoting cross-border trade and innovation

Nordic ports handle massive volumes of shipping traffic, and shipping is one of the hardest sectors to decarbonize. Ships sitting at berth burn diesel to power their systems. Cargo handling equipment runs on fossil fuels. Port operations generate significant emissions. For port authorities committed to carbon neutrality by 2030, the challenge is daunting: you need expensive infrastructure like shore power systems, alternative fuel bunkering facilities, and digital optimization platforms—all while maintaining operations and managing complex stakeholder relationships.

The Nordic Council of Ministers is offering €9.8 million (roughly $10.5 million USD) per port authority to make carbon neutrality achievable. This program funds the infrastructure, technology, and community engagement needed to transform Nordic ports into zero-emission maritime hubs. It’s designed specifically for the Nordic context: cold climate challenges, strong labor movements, ambitious climate targets, and opportunities for regional coordination.

For port authorities ready to lead on maritime decarbonization, this program provides capital for shore power and alternative fuel infrastructure, technical support for digital optimization, and resources for workforce transition and community engagement. The goal is to create green shipping corridors across the Nordic region where zero-emission vessels can operate seamlessly from port to port.

What makes this program distinctive is the regional coordination aspect. You’re not just decarbonizing your port in isolation—you’re part of a network of Nordic ports working together to create the infrastructure and standards that enable zero-emission shipping routes. That collective approach makes the investment more valuable and accelerates the transition for the entire maritime sector.

At a Glance

What This Funding Covers

The €9.8 million is structured to address the full spectrum of port decarbonization:

Shore Power and Grid Upgrades (€4.2 million): This is the foundation—allowing vessels to plug into the electrical grid instead of running diesel generators while docked. The funding covers high-capacity shore power systems that can handle large vessels, electrical substation upgrades to provide sufficient power, cable management systems for safe connection and disconnection, and integration with renewable energy sources. Shore power can cut in-port emissions by 90% or more, but it requires significant electrical infrastructure that most ports don’t currently have.

Alternative Fuel Infrastructure (€2.8 million): As shipping transitions to hydrogen, ammonia, or methanol, ports need bunkering facilities to supply these fuels. This component funds storage tanks and safety systems for alternative fuels, bunkering equipment and procedures, safety training and emergency response capabilities, and integration with fuel supply chains. The Nordic region is ahead on alternative fuel development, and this funding helps ports become early adopters, creating competitive advantage.

Smart Port Operations (€1.6 million): Digital optimization can reduce emissions by improving efficiency—less idling, better traffic flow, optimized energy use. This funding supports digital twin platforms that model port operations and test improvements, traffic management systems that coordinate vessel movements, energy management platforms that optimize power use across port operations, and predictive maintenance systems that reduce equipment downtime. Smart operations make ports more efficient and more attractive to shipping lines.

Community and Workforce Transition (€900,000): Decarbonization changes jobs and affects communities. This component funds retraining programs for port workers learning new technologies, just transition support for workers whose roles change, community engagement to build support and address concerns, and environmental monitoring to demonstrate impact and build trust. Nordic ports have strong labor unions and engaged communities—this funding helps ensure the transition benefits everyone.

Beyond the direct funding, selected ports get access to Nordic-wide technical expertise, participation in annual Nordic port summits for knowledge sharing, and support coordinating with national maritime regulators.

Who Should Apply

This program is designed for port authorities ready to make a serious commitment to carbon neutrality. You’re a good fit if:

You Have a Carbon Neutrality Roadmap: This can’t be a vague aspiration. You need a board-approved plan with specific targets, timelines, and strategies. If you’ve already done the planning work and know what infrastructure you need, you’re in a strong position. If you’re still figuring out your approach, use the next few months to develop that roadmap before applying.

You Have Shipping Line Buy-In: Shore power and alternative fuels only work if vessels actually use them. Strong applications include agreements or letters of intent from major shipping lines committing to use your infrastructure. If you serve routes with regular callers, work with those lines to get their commitment. Their participation makes your project viable.

You Can Demonstrate Community and Labor Support: Nordic ports operate in communities with strong voices. Your application should show you’ve engaged with labor unions, local residents, environmental groups, and other stakeholders. Document their input and how you’ve addressed concerns. Projects with broad support are more likely to succeed and less likely to face delays.

You’re Ready for Regional Coordination: The program values ports willing to coordinate with other Nordic ports on standards, timing, and infrastructure. If you’re willing to align your approach with regional partners, share learnings, and potentially coordinate on fuel supply chains or technical standards, you’ll be more competitive.

Insider Tips for a Winning Application

Quantify Your Emissions Baseline: Don’t just say you want to reduce emissions. Provide detailed baseline data on Scope 1 (direct port operations), Scope 2 (purchased electricity), and Scope 3 (vessel emissions while at berth) emissions. Show you understand where your emissions come from and how your proposed infrastructure will reduce them. Specific numbers and credible methodology matter.

Show Financial Sustainability: The €9.8 million covers capital costs, but ongoing operations have costs too. Your application should explain how you’ll sustain the infrastructure financially. This might include user fees for shore power or bunkering, green bonds to finance additional investments, revenue from selling excess renewable energy, or municipal budget commitments. Reviewers want to see that you’ve thought beyond the grant period.

Address Climate Resilience: Nordic ports face sea level rise, storm surge, and changing ice conditions. Your infrastructure investments should account for these risks. Describe how your designs incorporate climate resilience—elevated electrical systems, flood protection, adaptability to changing conditions. This shows long-term thinking and protects the investment.

Coordinate Green Corridors: The strongest applications show how your port fits into broader green shipping corridors. If you’re on a major route with other Nordic ports, coordinate your application with those ports. Show how vessels can travel from Port A to Port B to Port C using shore power and alternative fuels at each stop. Regional coordination multiplies the impact.

Involve Labor Early: Nordic labor unions are powerful stakeholders. Engage them early in your planning, not as an afterthought. Get their input on workforce transition plans, training needs, and job quality. Include union representatives in your governance structure. Applications with strong labor support face fewer implementation challenges.

Plan for Data Transparency: The program expects open reporting on emissions, energy use, and community impacts through the Nordic Maritime Observatory. Describe your data collection and reporting systems. Show you’re committed to transparency and learning. Ports that share data help the entire region improve.

Application Timeline

The July 31, 2025 deadline is for full proposals. Here’s a realistic timeline:

February 2025: Submit your expression of interest with baseline emission inventory. This is a shorter document (10-15 pages) outlining your carbon neutrality roadmap, proposed infrastructure, and preliminary partnerships. The Council reviews these and invites selected ports to submit full proposals.

March-May 2025: If invited to submit a full proposal, develop detailed infrastructure designs, finalize agreements with shipping lines and energy providers, complete environmental and social impact assessments, and build your financial model. This is intensive work—expect to dedicate significant staff time and potentially hire consultants for specialized expertise.

June-July 2025: Submit your full proposal by July 31. The Council’s evaluation panel includes maritime experts, climate specialists, and labor representatives. Be prepared for detailed technical questions.

August-September 2025: Grant agreements finalized. This includes negotiating specific performance targets, reporting requirements, and coordination commitments with other funded ports.

October 2025-2030: Implementation period with annual progress reviews at Nordic port summits. You’ll report on emissions reductions, infrastructure deployment, and community impacts. The Council expects active participation in regional learning and coordination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can smaller ports apply or is this only for major ports? Ports of all sizes can apply, but you need to demonstrate sufficient traffic to justify the infrastructure investment. A small port with regular ferry service might be a great fit for shore power. A port with limited traffic might struggle to show financial viability. The key is matching your proposal to your actual operations and traffic patterns.

What if we’re not sure which alternative fuel to support? That’s a common challenge since the maritime industry hasn’t settled on a single fuel. Your application can propose flexibility—infrastructure designed to potentially handle multiple fuels, or a phased approach starting with one fuel while maintaining adaptability. Show you’ve analyzed your typical vessel types and routes to inform your choice.

Do we need to achieve carbon neutrality by a specific date? The program aligns with 2030 climate goals, so your roadmap should target carbon neutrality by 2030 or shortly after. If you need more time due to specific challenges, explain why and show interim milestones. Ambitious but realistic timelines are better than overpromising.

How much co-funding is required? There’s no fixed co-funding percentage, but you’ll need to show financial commitment beyond the grant. This might be port authority budget, municipal investment, private sector contributions, or green bonds. The total project cost will likely exceed €9.8 million, and you need to show how you’ll cover the gap.

Can we coordinate our application with ports in other Nordic countries? Absolutely, and this is encouraged. Cross-border green corridors are particularly valuable. If you’re coordinating with ports in other countries, document that collaboration and show how your infrastructure investments complement each other.

What about ports that primarily serve fishing vessels or smaller craft? The program is flexible on vessel types. If your port primarily serves fishing or coastal vessels, your infrastructure needs will differ from a container port. Tailor your proposal to your actual users—maybe smaller-scale shore power or different fuel types. The key is demonstrating emissions reduction relevant to your operations.

How are environmental impacts assessed? You’ll need to conduct environmental impact assessments covering marine ecosystems, air quality, noise, and other factors. The Nordic countries have strong environmental standards, and your infrastructure must meet them. Include plans for ongoing environmental monitoring and adaptive management if impacts are detected.

How to Apply

Ready to lead Nordic maritime decarbonization? Here’s what to do:

Step 1: Develop or update your port’s carbon neutrality roadmap. Quantify your baseline emissions and identify the infrastructure needed to achieve neutrality.

Step 2: Engage key stakeholders—shipping lines, labor unions, local government, environmental groups, energy providers. Get their input and, where possible, formal commitments or letters of support.

Step 3: Conduct preliminary technical and financial analysis. What infrastructure do you need? What will it cost? How will it be sustained financially?

Step 4: Prepare your expression of interest outlining your roadmap, proposed infrastructure, partnerships, and preliminary budget.

Step 5: If invited to submit a full proposal, develop detailed designs, complete impact assessments, finalize partnerships, and build your comprehensive application.

Step 6: Submit by the July 31, 2025 deadline and prepare for potential presentation to the evaluation panel.

Visit the official program page for detailed guidelines and application materials: https://www.nordicinnovation.org/

Questions about eligibility, technical requirements, or regional coordination? The Nordic Council has established a support desk for applicant ports—contact information is available on their website. They can help you navigate the application process and connect with other ports for coordination opportunities.