Ada Jakobsen, CEO of Maritime CleanTech. Photo: Peter TubaasWhen I look back at 2023 and all that has happened in our network, I am filled with both a sense of urgency and a sense of hope, says Ada Jakobsen, CEO of Maritime CleanTech.Despite all the promises and progress that have been made in recent years, carbon emissions from shipping are still increasing worldwide. As last year's record temperatures and extreme weather events remind us, we need to start bending the curve downward, fast.In Norway, analyses have shown that we’re way off track to reach the government’s ambition to halve emissions from domestic shipping by 2030. While the electrification of passenger ferries is a success, decarbonization in other segments is lagging while the finish line is getting closer.The good news is that the excuses for delaying transition are running out. Last July, IMO finally adopted its renewed GHG strategy with a clear aim to reach net zero by 2050, thereby providing a global framework for action that all actors will have to comply with.In Europe, shipowners and operators in Europe now must pay for their emissions through the EU ETS system. The new FuelEU Maritime regulations will set increasingly strict standards for carbon intensity of shipping fuel.During 2023, Maritime CleanTech and our partners initiated many significant innovation projects, including several EU projects. When addressing new EU calls, and new partners from all over Europe, our unique test facilities offered by Sustainable Energy Catapult Centre Energy represent a major advantage. Here we get to qualify the future energy solutions needed.On the commercial side, 2023 was an exciting year seeing hydrogen demonstrated by our partners as a viable fuel for ships. To top it off, we saw the market launch of maritime fuel cell systems, large-scale battery solutions, first four-stroke ammonia engine close to market-entry, and major shipowners investing in fleets to run on future fuels – to mention just a few milestones from Maritime CleanTech partners.The regulatory framework is starting to crystallize, and the solutions are beginning to mature across all ship segments. When countries and companies worldwide start catching up with this reality, early movers will have a clear advantage in the market.Shaping policies and scaling up the market for green maritime solutions, both at home and abroad, are a cornerstone in Maritime CleanTech’s new strategy.Progress is made when our pioneering partners join forces to deliver on maritime decarbonization.Together, we set the course to deliver on 2030 – and be a pacesetter to be on track for 2050.Ada Jakobsen,CEO, Maritime CleanTechRead our annual report below: