The technology developed for Viking Energy is an
important contribution to limiting maritime-industry emissions. 40
percent of the emissions of NOx (Nitrogen Oxide) come from the
maritime sector, including coastal and offshore vessels and the
fisheries industry.
Reducing emissions from ships is therefore crucial to attaining
national targets. Using gas reduces CO2 emissions by about 20
percent and NOx emissions by about 85 percent. The use of gas on
Viking Energy will reduce NOx emissions by about 200 tonnes a year,
the equivalent of the total emissions from about 20 000
automobiles.
DNV has carried out risk analyses systematically and extensively
as part of this development. It has been a prerequisite that this
ship is to be at least as safe as similar new, conventional
ships.
The Norwegian Maritime Directorate and DNV now have regulations
for gas-driven ships. No other national authorities or
classification societies have similar regulations.