UK-Norway merger to boost clean maritime fuel solutions

Norway-based Inkster Marine joins Voar, as maritime energy transition accelerates.

Based at the heart of the Norwegian Maritime Cluster in Sunnmøre, alternative fuel vessel experts Inkster Marine are supporting ship designers, ship owners and shipyards across all stages of newbuild vessel projects. The company recently became part of consultancy and engineering services group Voar, extending its global reach.

Inkster Marine CEO Richard Inkster is upbeat about the growth potential in clean maritime fuels:

“Soon after founding in 2016, we saw the shift in maritime fuels coming and took a strategic decision to focus on this area. Our success in this area is built on prior experience in LNG and novel system design, adapted to alternative fuels, particularly hydrogen, methanol and ammonia. Our recent merger into Voar means that we are part of a wider team working for clients across Europe and in the U.S. and Chile.” he says.

Richard Inkster 

CEO, Inkster Marine 

Rapid growth in the alternative fueled vessel market

The transition from fossil to renewably generated maritime fuel has been talked about for decades but is now happening. According to Richard Inkster:

“Historically we were having a lot of conversations about the long-term potential of these fuels and the possible barriers to their development. That has now changed: we are in a position where shipbuilding contracts are in place and an ever-increasing number of vessels with hydrogen and derivative fuels are under construction. We are seeing all types of vessels making the switch, or future proofing so that they can do later, selecting fuel types according to their operational profiles and the projected availability of fuels in specific locations.”

Keeping pace with a fast-changing regulatory environment

Explaining the Inkster Marine/Voar role in this transition, Voar Development Director Tom Wills adds to Richard’s remarks:

“For many years there has been a perception that the burden of class and flag approvals for alternative fueled vessels was too challenging or even insurmountable. By working closely with ship designers, ship owners and shipyards, we are proving that this is not the case: we can take these new vessels from the drawing board, through build and commissioning and into the water,” he clarifies, adding:

Tom Wills 

Development Director, Voar 

“Our strategy is to enable our clients to upskill in a constantly changing regulatory environment. We are also proactively contributing to the development of new industry regulations and guidance. The maritime energy transition is happening now, with contracts for vessels powered by hydrogen and methanol in place and increasing numbers of vessels under construction and already in service.”

Av Jarle Petterson