Norwegian timber companies Viken AT Market and AT Skog said they are the first in the Norwegian forestry industry to transport lumber on zero-emission ships. Starting in 2027, they will transport some of their timber with Skarv Shipping on a vessel fueled by ammonia and electricity.
Viken AT Market ships approximately a million tons of Norwegian timber to the European continent annually, using conventional diesel-powered ships. However, the company has agreed with Bergen, Norway-based Skarv to shift part of its timber transport to a zero-emission vessel Skarv will provide. The partnership includes support from Grieg Shipbrokers and Arriva shipping.
“We are proud to secure shipping transport using zero-emission technology. With this hybrid vessel, we can provide our customers with more sustainable logistics,” said Kjersti Denver, CEO of Viken AT Market. “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.”
The ship is designed to sail most efficiently at low speeds, which the company said helps ensure economically viable operations despite the higher cost of ammonia compared to traditional fuels. A 160-cubic ammonia tank, mixed with MGO (Marine Gas Oil) as pilot fuel, will provide enough fuel for a 14-day round trip from Norway to the European continent.
“Since 2020, AT Skog and Viken AT Market have been tirelessly working towards creating an environmentally friendly ship for timber transport,” said Hans Erik Røra, Director of Market and Logistics at AT Skog. “It is tremendously exciting and a moment of celebration that we have finally reached our goal. Embracing innovation involves risks, but we are undertaking this venture with committed partners who all wish to contribute to sustainable development in shipping.”
“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,” said Bjørn Ødegård, Commercial Director at Arriva Shipping.
