Photo credit: Skarv Shipping Solutions
Skarv strikes a grant of 130 million NOK in support from Norwegian government fund, Enova, for the procurement of three cargo ships that will run emission-free along the Norwegian coast.
The Norwegian government fund has awarded 130 million kroner to three Skarv Shipping Solutions vessels that will potentially have a 90% reduction in emissions compared to similar traditional ships.
The company will achieve this through the use of technology such as batteries, ammonia engine, rotor sails and energy-saving hull design. Skarv Shipping Solutions is a joint venture between Peak Group and Grieg Edge, a subsidiary of Grieg Maritime Group.
This project is considered by the Minister of Climate and Environment Espen Barth Eide as “groundbreaking” that will lead the way for short sea shipping to adopt a wide range of zero-emission solutions, including the use of green ammonia.
The vessels, with a loading capacity of 4,000 tonnes each, will be used in short sea shipping along the Norwegian coast, from Northern Norway and south to the Oslo Fjord. Propulsion will be based on a 4-stroke engine that uses ammonia as fuel. The engine, supplied by Wärtsilä, will be among the world’s first 4-stroke ammonia engines.
The ships will also have electrical equipment for cargo handling.
“Enova supports those who go in front. Skarv Shipping Solutions has developed an exciting and innovative project that can mean a lot for the development of our short-sea shipping,” says Nils Kristian Nakstad, CEO of Enova.
From his side Jan Øivind Svardal, CEO of Skarv Shipping Solutions says “Enova’s support is invaluable in developing our plan to reduce CO2 emissions in Norway’s coastal maritime sector.”
