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Skarv to receive USD 12.2 million fund for three ammonia-fuelled short-sea bulk carriers

Vessels, with a cargo capacity of 4,000 tonnes each, will be used in short-haul shipping along the Norwegian coast, from northern Norway and south to the Oslo Fjord.

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The Norwegian government fund, Enova, has awarded NOK 130 million (USD 12.2 million) to three Skarv Shipping Solutions ammonia-powered short-sea bulk carriers, according to the firm recently.

Enova has provided Skarv Shipping Solutions with a grant of NOK 130 million to acquire three low-emission cargo ships operating along the Norwegian coast. The vessels will potentially reduce emissions by up to 90% compared to traditional vessels, thanks to innovative technologies like batteries, ammonia engines, rotor sails, and energy-efficient hull design.

“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,” Nils Kristian Nakstad, CEO of Enova, said.

With a cargo capacity of 4,000 tonnes each, the vessels will be used in short-haul shipping along the Norwegian coast, from northern Norway and south to the Oslo Fjord. Propulsion is based on a four-stroke engine that uses ammonia as fuel. The engine, probably supplied by Wärtsilä, will be among the world’s first four-stroke ammonia engines. Skarv considers different technologies, including rotor sails, which, together with the hybrid electric system and a new hull design, drastically reduce energy use. The vessels will also have electrical equipment for cargo handling.

“Enova’s support is invaluable in developing our plan to reduce CO2 emissions in Norway’s coastal maritime sector. We have poured considerable resources into crafting a shipping and logistics concept that we are absolutely positive can be taken to market to ensure the utmost safety, efficiency, and dependability. We have maintained constant dialogue with our customers throughout the process. Now, with Enova’s decision, we are eager to move forward and accomplish our next goals: firm commercial agreements with our clients and initiating the contracting and construction of ships,” Jan Øivind Svardal, CEO of Skarv Shipping Solutions, said.

“The next big step in transforming shipping is the transition to zero-emission fuel. This ground-breaking project will lead the way and show the way for short-haul shipping to adopt a wide range of zero-emission solutions, including the use of green ammonia. I look forward to following the development,” Climate and Environment Minister Espen Barth Eide (Ap), said.

“Skarv Shipping Solutions’ ambition is to realize sustainable maritime shipping solutions by the development of zero-emission vessels. The substantial funding from ENOVA will be of great importance for reaching our ambitions for the green shift in shipping and particularly the short sea trade. We are very thankful, and we will by this speed up the process in our zero emission roadmap,” Chair of the Board of Skarv Shipping Solutions, Jan Petter Slethaug, said.

 

Photo credit: Skarv
Published: 15 May, 2023

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LNG Bunkering

Baleària arranges LNG bunkering operations on same day at Port of Barcelona

Occasion marked the first time three bunkering operations were carried out on three different ships on the same day at the same port in Spain.

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Baleària arranges three LNG bunkering operations on same day in Barcelona

Spanish shipping company Baleària on Thursday (15 May) said it broke an all-time record for the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) with the bunkering of three of its vessels in the port of Barcelona.

The occasion marked the first time three bunkering operations were carried out on three different ships on the same day at the same port in Spain.

The company said the three vessels were fuelled with a total of 2,320 MWh of LNG by eight tankers. 

Fast ferry Margarita Salas was fuelled by three tankers simultaneously. Ferry Martín i Soler was fuelled by two tankers and ferry Bahama Mama was bunkered by another three tankers also. 

“Our commitment to LNG grew by 184% in 2024. Combined with electric propulsion and other eco-efficiency measures, we have managed to reduce our carbon footprint by almost 10% per passenger,” it said. 

 

Photo credit: Baleària
Published: 19 May, 2025

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Biofuel

Cosco-controlled Piraeus Container Terminal offers biofuel bunkering services

PCT, a fully controlled subsidiary of Cosco Shipping Ports, has officially introduced biofuel bunkering services for vessels calling at the Port of Piraeus.

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Cosco-controlled Piraeus Container Terminal offers biofuel bunkering services

Cosco Shipping Europe, the regional management company of China Cosco Shipping Corporation in the European Region, on Friday (16 May) said biofuel bunkering is now available at Piraeus Container Terminal (PCT) in Greece. 

PCT, a fully controlled subsidiary of Cosco Shipping Ports, has officially introduced biofuel bunkering services for vessels calling at the Port of Piraeus – supporting customers in achieving greener, more sustainable supply chains.

After listening to customer needs, Cosco Shipping (Europe) said PCT swiftly moved into action to re-evaluate legal foundations for biofuel bunkering under ISO 8217:2024 and new Greek regulations.

It added that PCT also partnered with suppliers to provide full-service bunkering options.

 

Photo credit: Cosco Shipping Europe
Published: 19 May, 2025

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Ammonia

ABS answers critical safety questions related to using ammonia as a marine fuel

ABS engineers examined realistic bunkering situations such as STS, terminal-to-ship and truck-to-ship, as well as ammonia dispersion from the vessel due to a leakage incident in the engine room.

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RESIZED Venti Views on Unsplash

Classification society American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) on Thursday (15 May) published its report to bring together the findings of its advanced research into the performance of ammonia on board.

Critical safety questions such as “how does ammonia behave when it leaks in an engine room?” and “how does a cloud of escaped ammonia disperse during bunkering operations?” are addressed in the latest ABS research.

ABS performed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations using advanced tools to quantitatively assess the risks associated with ammonia dispersion in accidental leakage scenarios. 

ABS engineers examined realistic bunkering situations such as ship-to-ship, terminal-to-ship and truck-to-ship, as well as ammonia dispersion from the vessel due to a leakage incident in the engine room.

“This publication provides a comprehensive report of ABS’ efforts to address the challenges and opportunities presented by ammonia as a marine fuel,” said Vassilios Kroustallis, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Business Development.

“Through detailed analysis of ammonia dispersion studies and emergency evacuation protocols, ABS is contributing to the discourse on safe and supportable maritime fuel alternatives, fostering a culture of preparedness and resilience.”

In addition to CFD simulation analysis, ABS leveraged the latest industry best practices and advancements in software and hardware – including acoustic cameras for detecting and visualizing ammonia leakage – to provide a thorough, three-part framework for owners and operators evaluating ammonia as a cleaner fuel source:

  • Proactive regulatory engagement and risk anticipation
  • Development and implementation of a multifaceted safety framework, combining qualitative and quantitative risk assessments
  • Real-time monitoring and optimized emergency response

Note: Download a copy of the ABS publication Safety Insights for Ammonia as a Marine Fuel here.

 

Photo credit: Venti Views on Unsplash
Published: 19 May, 2025

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