Norway’s First Bio-Methanol-Powered Feeder Vessel Begins Operations

North Sea Container Line AS, in collaboration with Elkem ASA and MPC Container Ships ASA (MPCC) has officially launched NCL Vestland, Norway’s first bio-methanol powered container feeder vessel.

The vessel began operations from Haugesund and will transport cargo between Western, Central and Northern Norway and Rotterdam. It is the first of two MPCC-owned container ships that have been chartered by NCL and commissioned by Elkem.

These ships are designed to improve efficiency, reduce emissions and enhance the transportation of Norwegian goods and critical materials to Europe and beyond.

The NCL Vestland and its upcoming sister ship, NCL Nordland, are the first ships in Norway to operate on bio-methanol. The vessels have been designed by NCL and developed with support from Norwegian NOx Fund and Enova, two organisations promoting green energy solution.

Elkem, owing 40% of NCL, played an important role in bringing this initiative to life. The vessels are expected to revolutionise short-sea shipping by replacing three conventional container ships while increasing total freight capacity and ensuring more stable cargo operations.

The innovative design of the ship enables a 63% reduction in energy consumption per TEU per nm compared to traditional vessels. They are also built with dual-fuel technology, meaning they can operate on both bio-methanol and conventional fuel, making them adaptable for a net-zero future.

NCL has signed a deal with Equinor to source bio-methanol for the vessels to ensure a steady supply of low-emission fuel. Bunkering will take place in Norway, ensuring that from the very first voyage, the two vessels NCL Nordland and NCL Vestland will transport carbon neutral TEUs.

Morten Viga, the CFO at Elkem, stated that these vessels will play an important role in transporting Norwegian goods, including strategic silicon metals, to European markets.

NCL Managing Director Bente Hetland stated that the company is committed to making sea freight safer, more efficient, and eco friendly. She pointed out that the new vessels incorporate cutting-edge innovations and energy saving features, ensuring that green shipping is not only sustainable but also cost effective for customers.

The NCL Vestland is already operational, making regular calls at key industrial ports such as Stokmarknes, Salten, Mo i Rana, Orkanger, Alesund, and Bremanger.

These routes will enable larger weekly shipments of Elkem’s silicon products to customers across industries like automotive manufacturing, renewable energy, construction, and defense.

Enova, a state enterprise under the Norwegian Ministry of Climate and Environment, funded NOK 13.5 million for the development of the vessel, and the Nox Fund, a business sector initiative funded NOK 60 million.

The vessels feature an “Open Top” design, reducing the need for crew members to be on deck. Electric cranes have also been installed onboard to allow efficient cargo handling.

References: NCL, Elkem

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