Ammonia-electric 7,800 dwt self unloader to transport Norwegian timber to Europe from 2027.

Norway’s Skarv Shipping has announced an order for an electric-ammonia hybrid 7,800 dwt general cargo self unloader, returning to Huanghai Shipbuilding in China.

The vessel is due to be delivered in the second quarter of 2027 onto timecharter with Arriva shipping, which will manage the ship for Viken AT Market, a timber exporter established in 2015 by two of Norway’s largest forestry companies. Viken exports around 1m tonnes of timber to Europe each year, mostly on diesel-powered ships.

The new vessel will be capable of sailing on ammonia from day one, and the engine will be linked to an electric propulsion system with batteries and a shore power connection. An engine supplier has been chosen, but has not yet been revealed.

The ship will be optimised for low speed operation to support its economic viability, and will be fitted with a 160 cu m ammonia tank. The engine will use MGO as a pilot fuel and be capable of a 14-day round trip between Norway and the European continent.

Grieg Maritime, owners of Skarv Shipping, told Seatrade Maritime News that the Skarv and Arriva teams are in discussions with several potential clean ammonia suppliers for the vessel. There are numerous green ammonia projects currently underway in Norway, many of which are ideally situated for the ship’s trade route, they said.

The companies believe taxation of CO2 will make ammonia-powered ships profitable in the future.

“We are proud to secure shipping transport using zero-emission technology. With this hybrid vessel, we can provide our customers with more sustainable logistics. It is exceptional in our industry to enter into such a long-term shipping agreement, as we are doing here. However, we are confident in this because we already have substantial experience with Arriva Shipping, which is a flexible and reliable carrier,” said Kjersti Denver, CEO of Viken AT Market.

“Norway’s coastal fleet must swiftly transition to more climate-friendly practices, and we are thrilled to provide transport with nearly zero emissions to Viken AT Market. They also deserve commendation for their forward-thinking approach and willingness to invest in the solutions we can now offer,” said Bjørn Ødegård, Commercial Director at Arriva Shipping.

Source: seatrade-maritime.com