What Bellona does

Bellona (legally Miljøstiftelsen Bellona) is a Norwegian environmental foundation founded in 1986 by Frederic Hauge and Rune Haaland in the wake of the Chernobyl disaster. It operates as an independent non-profit advocacy and policy-influencing organization, with offices in Oslo (headquarters), Brussels (Bellona Europa, ~35 staff, established 1994), Berlin (opened 2021), and Vilnius (opened 2023 after evacuation from Russia). Its work centers on three substantive domains: nuclear safety and Russian/Arctic environmental monitoring (its historical core); carbon capture and storage (CCS) policy and industrial decarbonization; and maritime sustainability including the Clean Hull Initiative and ISO 6319 hull-cleaning standard. Operating segments target governments (Norwegian ministries, EU institutions, IMO via MEPC observer status), heavy industry (Equinor, Hydro, Northern Lights JV, Elkem, Eramet Norway, Jotun, Wallenius Wilhelmsen, Color Line, Hurtigruten), research institutes (SINTEF, NIVA, IFE, NIBIO, NMBU), and the general public through newsletters, publications, and events such as Arendalsuka and the COP conference series (participating since 1992).

The foundation does not develop proprietary technology products. Its "products" are policy analysis, expert testimony, technical reports, and operational environmental projects including the Oslofjorden Tarepark kelp restoration pilot and Agri-PV solar field trials. Revenue is sourced from four streams: individual donations and recurring givers, corporate partnerships and sponsorships, government grants, and financial-partner contributions (e.g., Sparebankstiftelsen DNB, NorgesGruppens HANDLE, EFO). There is no commercial product pricing; outputs are distributed free to governments, industry, and the public.

The business model is grant- and donation-dependent, which produced a near-fatal liquidity crisis in June 2026 when the organization faced bankruptcy before raising 13 million NOK in an emergency campaign from approximately 4,370 individual donors (3M NOK) and business supporters (10M NOK). Leadership transitioned in December 2025 when the board appointed former Climate and Environment Minister Sveinung Rotevatn as CEO, a move consistent with the organization's increasing focus on binding-policy outcomes (notably its 2026 CCS round-table call for a minimum 2 billion NOK Enova CCS allocation from 2027) and its integration of media-disinformation defense into climate advocacy.

Name

Bellona

Legal name

Miljøstiftelsen Bellona

Website

https://bellona.no

Company type

Private

Founded year

1986

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Bellona is a Norwegian non-profit environmental foundation founded in 1986, operating offices in Oslo, Brussels, Berlin, and Vilnius to influence governments and industry on climate policy, CCS, nuclear safety, and maritime sustainability, funded by individual donations, government grants, and corporate partnerships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Environmental Advocacy and Policy Research

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Administration of Environmental Quality Programs (9241), Administration of Environmental Quality Programs (924), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Climate Change Mitigation, Adaptation & Resilience Programs (BPAIAMAD)

akta.pro secondary industry

Marine & Freshwater Conservation (BPAGAGAE)

Keywords

• Environmental advocacy services
• Climate policy research
• Carbon capture storage
• Nuclear safety consulting
• Maritime decarbonization

Headquarters

HQ city

Oslo

HQ country

Norway

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Support from Members and Givers: Bellona relies on donations from individuals and supporters. The organization ran an emergency fundraising campaign in June 2026, collecting 13 million NOK from 4,370 individual donors and 10 million NOK from business supporters to avoid bankruptcy.
2. Government Grants: Bellona receives funding through grants from government bodies and institutions for specific projects and initiatives.
3. Corporate Partnerships: Bellona collaborates with companies on environmental projects and receives support or sponsorship from businesses aligned with their mission.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Bellona is an independent environmental foundation that delivers advocacy, policy research, technical reports, and project-based environmental initiatives across climate change, carbon capture and storage (CCS), nuclear safety, Arctic environment, industrial decarbonization, and maritime environmental issues. Its work is delivered through publications, conferences (including the annual CCS Round Table and Bellona Forum), direct engagement with Norwegian and EU policymakers, and operational initiatives such as the Oslofjorden Tarepark kelp restoration project and the Clean Hull Initiative.

Product overview

Bellona (Miljøstiftelsen Bellona) is a Norwegian environmental foundation founded in 1986, not a commercial software or technology product company. Its work consists of environmental advocacy, policy research, and project-based initiatives. Key initiatives include the Oslofjorden Tarepark (a kelp restoration project for the Oslofjord) and the Clean Hull Initiative (CHI, focused on hull fouling standards and maritime environmental protection). Bellona also publishes reports, organizes CCS round-table conferences, and participates in EU climate policy processes. It operates offices in Oslo, Brussels, Berlin, and Vilnius.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Clean Hull Initiative (CHI): An initiative focused on hull fouling as an environmental problem and proactive hull cleaning as a solution, developing ISO standards for the maritime industry.
• Bellona Europa

Products and services

• Oslofjorden Tarepark A kelp farming and restoration initiative located outside Slemmestad (in Asker municipality, Oslofjord) run by Bellona with partners VEAS, NIVA, Oslo kommune/Bymiljøetaten, Asker kommune, Lerøy/Ocean Forest, Sparebankstiftelsen DNB, and Akershus fylkeskommune. The initiative removes nutrients from the fjord, binds carbon, adds oxygen, and creates new marine habitats. It is part of Bellona's 40th anniversary and builds on more than a decade of kelp cultivation experience with Lerøy/Ocean Forest.
• Clean Hull Initiative (CHI) A global initiative led by Bellona focused on biofouling (hull fouling) as an environmental problem and proactive hull cleaning as a solution. CHI coordinates a working group of over 50 stakeholders from five continents and partners with maritime industry leaders including Jotun (world-leading maritime paint company) and Wallenius Wilhelmsen (global RoRo operator). The initiative developed the ISO 6319 standard for hull cleaning, published in March 2026, to help ports navigate hull washing regulations and prevent invasive species from damaging ecosystems along the Norwegian coast.

Quantifiable outcome

• Contributed to securing approximately 100 decommissioned nuclear submarine reactors in Russia/Arctic region
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

38 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• HafslundcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 August 2026Partnership on conflict-free solar power and agricultural areas at Arendalsuka 2026.
• Hold Norge RentminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 August 2026Collaboration on recycling, plastic pollution, and circular economy at Arendalsuka 2026.
• NMBUcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 August 2026Norwegian University of Life Sciences partnership on biotechnology for a sustainable future at Arendalsuka 2026.
• VEAScoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 August 2026Collaboration on Oslofjord restoration and seaweed park project. VEAS will process biogas with carbon capture from Bellona's seaweed cultivation.
• WEXFOminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 August 2026Collaboration on climate debate under attack - disinformation as a weapon at Arendalsuka 2026.
• UtsynminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 August 2026Collaboration on climate debate under attack - disinformation as a weapon at Arendalsuka 2026.
• Rare Earths NorwaycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 August 2026Co-organizers of 'Norske mineraler og metaller er geopolitikk' event at Arendalsuka 2026, focusing on critical minerals and metals for the green transition.
• Prosess21coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 August 2026Collaboration on events about industrial decarbonization and climate solutions for Norwegian industry at Arendalsuka 2026.
• Eyde-klyngencoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 August 2026Industry cluster partnership on sustainable industry and climate solutions, co-organizing events at Arendalsuka 2026.
• Ferrolegeringsindustriens forskningsforeningcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 August 2026Research association collaboration on industrial decarbonization and the last climate cuts in Norwegian industry.
• Eramet NorwaycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 August 2026Partnership on industrial decarbonization and climate solutions, involved in CCS round table conference 2026 and Arendalsuka events.
• ENRXminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 August 2026Co-organizer of 'Er industribygging i Norge fortsatt mulig?' event at Arendalsuka 2026.
• SINTEF EnergicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch institution partnership on energy transition, renewable security, CCS value chain development, and climate restoration topics.
• SINTEF OceancoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership on climate restoration and whether Norway can remove more CO2 than it emits.
• HydrocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership on CCS. Co-organizers of annual CCS round table conferences since 2023 with Bellona.
• ElkemcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSignatory of CCS round table conference 2026 recommendations. Partnership on industrial decarbonization.
• Ocean Forest / LerøycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-term partnership on seaweed cultivation (Ocean Forest project). Lerøy provides expertise and participates in Oslofjorden Tarepark project.
• NIVAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNorwegian Institute for Water Research partnership on Oslofjord restoration and environmental monitoring.
• Oslo kommune / BymiljøetatencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Oslofjorden Tarepark project. Oslo municipality supports kelp park initiative for fjord restoration.
• Asker kommunecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Oslofjorden Tarepark project located near Slemmestad in Asker municipality.
• JotuncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorld-leading maritime paint company and partner in Clean Hull Initiative (CHI). Jotun provides proactive hull cleaning solutions and participated in ISO standard development for hull husbandry.
• Wallenius WilhelmsencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading global RoRo operator partner in Clean Hull Initiative and ISO standard development for hull cleaning.
• SiemenscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership on maritime electrification. Collaborated on ferry fleet electrification study and land power infrastructure.
• ABBcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership on maritime electrification and electrification of sea phase of salmon farming.
• The FjordscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in electric ferry solutions and maritime electrification initiatives.
• Color LinecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership on land power infrastructure for cruise ships and maritime electrification.
• HurtigrutencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership on Arctic shipping, zero-emission solutions, and heavy fuel oil ban advocacy.
• Clean Shipping CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBellona is member of CSC, coalition of 8 environmental organizations working specifically on shipping. Bellona has observer status in IMO MEPC committee.
• Clean Arctic AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition partnership on Arctic shipping and heavy fuel oil ban in Arctic waters.
• Northern Lights JVcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNorwegian company building CO2 storage facilities that can be expanded as more industrial actors connect to the system.
• GassnovacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNorwegian government enterprise for CCS. Bellona works with Gassnova on CCS round table conferences and policy recommendations.
• EquinorcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership on CCS. Equinor has stored CO2 under North Sea since 1996. Bellona participates in CCS discussions with Equinor on Melkøya and Snøhvit.
• Zero Emissions Platform (ZEP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBellona co-founded ZEP in 2005 - the European collaborative platform for CCS. ZEP remains EU Commission's advisory body for CCS, and Bellona participates in working groups.
• IFE (Institute for Energy Technology)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIFE leads Agri-PV project with Bellona, analyzing energy production and measurement data for vertical solar panels in agriculture.
• NIBIOcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNorwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research conducts field trials with crops and measurements at research station in Klepp for Agri-PV project.
• Hydropower AScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBuilt the vertical solar installation for Agri-PV pilot project in Klepp and is responsible for operations.
• Oslo HavncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership on sustainable maritime transport. Oslo aims to become world's first emission-free port with 85% emission reduction by 2030.
• NELFOcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership on maritime electrification and 'Ten commandments for emission-free coast 2040'.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Greenpeace: Global environmental advocacy organization operating across climate, oceans, forests, and disarmament. Comparable to Bellona as an independent environmental foundation with multi-country presence and a confrontational advocacy stance toward polluting industry. Differs in being more campaign/activism-led whereas Bellona is more policy/technical, but both target the same corporate and government stakeholders.
• Environmental Defense Fund (EDF): Major US-headquartered environmental advocacy organization with offices globally that combines scientific research, policy advocacy, and corporate engagement on climate, oceans, and energy. Closely comparable to Bellona in its independent advocacy model, multi-stakeholder convening role, and influence on industrial decarbonization and CCS policy. Both target government and heavy-industry decision makers.
• Germanwatch: German environmental and development organization focused on global climate policy, trade, and corporate accountability. Directly comparable to Bellona in operating in Germany (overlapping with Bellona's Berlin office), engaging on EU climate legislation, and producing policy briefs on industrial decarbonization. Both serve similar NGO convening roles in DACH/EU climate policy.
• Clean Shipping Coalition: Coalition of environmental organizations specifically focused on shipping emissions. Bellona is itself a member and has observer status in the IMO MEPC committee through this coalition. Highly comparable as a maritime decarbonization advocate targeting IMO regulations on shipping emissions, heavy fuel oil, and now biofouling.
• E3G: Independent European climate change think tank with offices in Brussels, Berlin, London, and Washington. Highly comparable to Bellona Europa in operating as a Brussels-based climate policy influencer with a German office, focused on EU and member-state climate legislation. Both engage directly with EU institutions and member-state governments on industrial decarbonization and CCS.
• World Resources Institute (WRI): Independent global research organization working at the intersection of environment and development. Directly comparable to Bellona in operating as an independent, fact-based policy think tank with multi-country offices and influence on climate, energy, and industrial policy. Both function as convening bodies translating science into policy recommendations for governments and corporates.
• Clean Air Task Force (CATF): US-based environmental nonprofit focused on climate and clean air through technical analysis and policy advocacy. Comparable to Bellona in its technical expertise on CCS, methane, and industrial decarbonization, with a strong track record of direct engagement with governments and industry on hard-to-decarbonize sectors. Both function as expert convening bodies rather than mass-membership campaigners.
• Climate Action Tracker (CAT): Independent scientific assessment that tracks government climate commitments and action against Paris Agreement goals. Comparable to Bellona in producing independent analysis used by policymakers and industry, with similar funders (European foundations) and overlapping subject matter on national climate policy and industrial decarbonization pathways.

Broad incumbents

• RMI (Rocky Mountain Institute): Independent nonprofit working to transform global energy systems through research, consulting, and advocacy. Comparable to Bellona on industrial decarbonization, CCS, and energy transition advisory work to heavy industry and governments. Wider in geographic and topic scope, but operates in the same NGO-as-advisor space rather than pure advocacy.

Emerging players

• Carbon Brief: UK-based climate science and policy website covering the latest developments in climate science, policy, and energy. Comparable to Bellona in producing influential climate-policy content targeting policymakers and engaged publics, though narrower in scope (focused on journalism/analysis vs Bellona's full advocacy/operations portfolio).

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/bellona_no
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/bellona

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Bellona