Norwegian Timber Exports To Go Green With Zero-Emission Ships By 2027

Norwegian timber shipments are set to become more eco-friendly, with the Viken AT Market, a timber export trading company and AT Skog, a forestry organisation, planning to transport timber using zero-emission vessels from 2027.

The companies have partnered with a Norwegian shipping company, Arriva Shipping and Skarv Shipping, to introduce a hybrid vessel powered by ammonia and electricity, which will reduce carbon emissions in the forestry industry.

Viken AT Market, which ships around 1 million tons of Norwegian timber to the continent annually, currently relies on diesel-powered ships. This transition to ammonia and electric-powered vessels aligns with the long-term strategy to adopt sustainable shipping solutions.

The company said that this initiative would provide customers with greener logistics.

AT Skog also discussed the environmental benefits, stating that increasing CO₂ emission taxes could make ammonia-powered ships a financially viable alternative in the future.

The company has been working alongside Viken AT Market since 2020 to develop an eco-friendly shipping solution for timber transport. Skarv Shipping, in collaboration with Grieg Shipbrokers, has designed the vessel, which will be operated by Arriva Shipping.

The ship will feature a 160-cubic ammonia tank combined with Marine Gas Oil (MGO) as a pilot fuel, enabling a 14-day round trip between Norway and the continent. It will also include an electric propulsion system powered by batteries and shore power access.

“This is our first ship capable of sailing on ammonia from day one, allowing it to operate with minimal greenhouse gas emissions. Simultaneously, the engine is linked to an electric propulsion system that utilises batteries and has access to shore power,” says Jan Øivind Svardal, CEO of Skarv Shipping.

He added, “The design and operation of the vessel consider the risks associated with using ammonia as fuel. Safety will be a primary focus and will be developed in close cooperation with class, manufacturers of green technology and LMG Marin as ship designer. The ship will be outfitted with highly advanced safety systems, alongside operational safety procedures and crew training.”

Safety is a top priority in the vessel’s design, with advanced safety systems being developed in partnership with classification societies, green technology manufacturers, and ship designer LMG Marin.

The ship will be an upgraded version of Skarv Shipping’s sister ships ordered for Peak CSL Group but will be specifically designed for the transportation of timber.

Viken AT Market’s shipping contract was made possible by the long-time partner, Norbroker Shipping & Trading. The vessel is scheduled to be delivered in the second quarter of 2027.

Reference: Skarv shipping

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