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Viridis Bulk Carriers granted public funding to build ammonia-powered vessels

Development related to sister-project “Ammonia fuel bunkering network” project which received NOK 89 million from the Norwegian Green Platform program.

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Viridis Bulk Carriers granted public funding to build ammonia powered vessels

Ammonia-powered shipping company Viridis Bulk Carriers and its consortium partners on Friday (18 December) said they have been are awarded NOK 13.75 million (USD 1.52 million) in development funding from the Norwegian Pilot-E program to realise a carbon free short sea bulk transportation service comprising cargo, ships- and fuel logistics in the project “FlexBulk – NH3 Power”.

Viridis Bulk Carriers is a new joint venture solely focused on building and operating ammonia-powered short sea bulk vessels, optimally structured with a unique combination of expertise and resources technically, operationally and financially.

The Pilot-E program is a collaboration between the Norwegian Research Council, Innovation Norway and ENOVA, designed to support innovative maritime projects from idea stage to full scale realisation. The grant includes support from each of the institutions. The value granted to Viridis Bulk Carriers does not yet include investment grant from ENOVA.

“This award is a recognition of our vision and marks a milestone in our commitment to an environmentally friendly fleet renewal. Through our FlexBulk project, we will build the world’s first short-sea fleet based on ammonia as fuel, and we are pleased that the Norwegian authorities are helping to promote innovative initiatives towards the green shift,” says Espen Nordstrøm at Viridis Bulk Carriers / Navigare Logistics.

Ammonia-powered ships with excellent capabilities and range

The ships will be sufficiently flexible to handle varying types and volumes of cargo, in terms of both operational range and functional capabilities, while maintaining crew and societal safety at the level of conventional ships. Viridis Bulk Carriers expect to place the first shipbuilding orders within the end of 2022, with deliveries starting in 2024/25.

The application phase for the grants has been a close cooperation between Kongsberg Maritime’s Ship design and Energy departments and Viridis Bulk Carriers, where KONGSBERG has the capability to provide the technology and integrated solutions required for such project.

“Viridis Bulk Carriers willingness to promote environmentally friendly, human, safe and efficient operation is entirely in line with KONGSBERG’s goals and are incorporating sustainability into everything we do,” says Egil Haugsdal, President at Kongsberg Maritime.

Ammonia-powered ships and bunker fuel infrastructure being developed in parallel

The project “Flexbulk – NH3 Power” is closely related to the sister-project “Ammonia fuel bunkering network” project which received NOK 89 million from the Norwegian Green Platform program earlier this year.

Together, the two projects remove the chicken-and-the egg dilemma for introducing new fuels.

The granted support will expedite technical and commercial development and be an enabler, catalyst and accelerator for introducing ammonia fuel in shipping. Global adoption of ammonia as marine fuel has a massive potential to reduce carbon emissions, since it is scalable to serve the entire deepsea shipping fleet.

“Our strategy is to lead the green shift in shipping through commercial and technical innovation. We are certain that the Pilot-E grant from the Norwegian government will prove to be an important success factor for placing the first ammonia-powered cargo ships on the water,” says André Risholm at Viridis Bulk Carriers / Amon Maritime.

Close collaboration with Client Partners

Together with Client Partners Elkem, Yara, Franzefoss Minerals, Vestkorn, Saltimport, Viken AT Market and Biomar all cargo flows will be evaluated to find the best synergies to optimise the trading of the vessels.

These seven charterers alone have an underlying short sea bulk cargo volume of 20 million tons across 5,000 + shipments per annum, equal to 100 ships in operation.

The project will realise commercial viability of zero emission solutions through business model innovation and increased ship utilisation – based on a significant optimisation effort.

Ellen Groeneveld, Managing Director at Elkem Maritime Center: “Elkem earlier this year announced a new climate roadmap detailing how the company plans to develop its business in line with the aim of the Paris agreement, reducing emissions towards net zero while growing supplies to the green transition.”

“The FlexBulk project with Viridis Bulk Carriers, fits with our strategy to start reducing emissions from ocean transportation as soon as possible.”

Nils-Petter Eriksen, Chief Sales Officer at Franzefoss Minerals AS: “Franzefoss Minerals are moving large cargo volumes at sea and we need to reduce the carbon foot print in our logistical chain. Being part of the Flexbulk project is important for Franzefoss and we look forward to Viridis Bulk Carriers bringing green vessels to the market.”

Aslak Lie, CEO at Vestkorn:Sustainability is at the core of our business model in Vestkorn. The company is founded on sustainable food production, and we work every day to get people to eat more plant based. 80% of the remaining CO2 emissions in our value chain, which we can influence ourselves, come from transport. Viridis’ FlexBulk project uses the right approach, and we look forward to using these ships to transport our goods in the future.”

Murali Srinivasan, Senior Vice President, Yara Clean Ammonia:This grant is very important to the Viridis project and an important step to start the decarbonization of shipping, Yara Clean Ammonia is a global producer of Ammonia as a shipping fuel, and also involved in developing bunker solutions.”

“This is a ground-breaking collaborative project where the visionary companies are taking the first big step to make ammonia as zero-emission fuel a realistic option for the future.”

Angelo Biancardi, Vice President of Yara Maritime Logistics: “Yara is committed to contribute on the decarbonization of the food value chain and is successfully working on reducing its carbon footprint. Ammonia fueled vessels are also expected to reduce Yara’s own GHG emissions on shipping and transport.”

Kjersti Denver, Supply Chain Manager at Viken AT Market: “Viken AT Market manages an important sustainable resource for the green shift. This resource is important both for our generation and not least future generations. We have a focus on the entire value chain and more sustainable logistics solutions are an important part of this. The Flexbulk project helps us on our way to our goals towards contributing to a green shift also in shipping.”

Tore Gunnar Wikdal, Director Distribution and Inbound Logistics at BioMar: “The UN has declared the decade we have now entered, the decade of the Sea. The ocean is crucial for all life, and BioMar will lead in ocean-based climate measures in our industry. Therefore, the development of new carbon-free solutions in shipping is important, and Flexbulk is a significant step in getting the decarbonization within the maritime industry started.”

Lisbeth Nordal, Dry Cargo Broker at Saltimport: “As a total supplier of salt products which is a sustainable raw material with great national significance for both road, industry and fisheries, Saltimport has a strong focus on sustainable solutions. Saltimport has a clear goal of reducing the carbon footprint and offering the most environmentally friendly freight options for our customers and partners, and an award from Pilot-E makes the project a step closer to realization. For Saltimport, which focuses on innovation and sustainable solutions, the project is very important in helping to reduce emissions in the value chain. We look forward to further cooperation and help to find a carbon-free solution for sea transport.”

Kristin Svardal, Innovation Manager at Ocean Hyway Cluster: The shift to a more sustainable future requires collaboration. Flexbulk is a unique example with broad commitment from 7 client partners who will achieve significant synergies between them. Combined with Viridis Bulk Carries, an innovative shipping company, they are positioned to lead the green shift in short sea shipping. Ocean Hyway Cluster is proud to be part of this project, fulfilling our mission to develop carbon-free hydrogen-based fuels for shipping.”

Anders Valland, Research Manager at SINTEF Ocean: “SINTEF Ocean is looking forward to finding new solutions for coastal bulk transport in the FlexBulk project. The combined know-how and expertise in the consortium provides an excellent platform for developing robust solutions for the market.”

 

Photo credit: Viridis Bulk Carriers
Published: 20 December, 2021

 

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Alternative Fuels

Singapore: MPA issues circular on resolutions adopted at IMO MSC 109

New circular informs shipping community of the resolutions, including on use of ammonia cargo as bunker fuel, and urges the shipping community to prepare for the implementation of these resolutions.

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RESIZED MPA stock photo, Singapore flag

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Monday (17 March) issued Shipping Circular No. 2 of 2025 regarding resolutions adopted by the 109th session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 109) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which was held from 2 to 6 December 2024:

This circular informs the shipping community of the resolutions adopted by MSC 109 and urges the shipping community to prepare for the implementation of these resolutions.

MSC 109 adopted the following mandatory resolutions:

Resolution MSC.566(109) – Amendments to the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code)

This resolution adopts amendments to Chapter 16 of the IGC Code, mainly to allow the use of ammonia cargo as fuel. The amendments will enter into force on 01 July 2026 and will be given effect through the Merchant Shipping (Safety Convention) Regulations.

Resolution MSC.567(109) – Amendments to the International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code)

This resolution adopts amendments to IGF Code regarding ship design and arrangements; general pipe design; safety functions of the gas supply system; fire protection; hazardous area zones; and ventilation requirements. The amendments will enter into force on 01 January 2028 and will be given effect through the Merchant Shipping (Safety Convention) Regulations.

MSC 109 also adopted the following resolutions:

Resolution MSC.568(109) – Amendments to the Revised recommendation on testing of life-saving appliances (resolution MSC.81(70))

This resolution adopts amendments to Part 1- Prototype Test for Life-saving Appliances, for self-righting test requirements of totally enclosed lifeboats, under paragraph 6.14.1.1 of the Revised recommendation on testing of life-saving appliances (resolution MSC.81(70)).

Resolution MSC.569(109) – Performance standards for the reception of maritime safety information and search and rescue related information by MF and HF digital navigational data (NAVDAT) system

This resolution adopts the Performance standards for the reception of maritime safety information and search and rescue related information by MF and HF digital NAVDAT system.

Resolution MSC.509(105)/REV.1 – Provision of radio services for the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)

This resolution adopts the revised Recommendation on provision of radio services for the GMDSS, the Criteria for use when providing shore-based digital selective calling (DSC) facilities for use in the GMDSS, the Criteria for establishing GMDSS sea areas, the Criteria for use when providing a NAVTEX service and the Criteria for use when providing a NAVDAT service, set out in annexes 1 to 5, respectively, to the resolution. This resolution revokes resolution MSC.509(105).

Resolution MSC.570(109) – Performance standards for a universal shipborne Automatic Identification System (AIS)

This resolution adopts the revised Performance standards for a universal shipborne AIS, recognising the need for measures to prevent unauthorised entry or tampering of the ship's identity information in shipborne AIS.

Any queries relating to this circular should be directed to MPA Shipping Division via email at [email protected]

 

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 18 March, 2025

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Alternative Fuels

AAL Shipping names methanol-ready multipurpose heavy lift vessel in China

Singapore-based AAL Shipping says it held a naming ceremony for “AAL Dubai” – a multipurpose heavy lift vessel that is methanol-ready – at CSSC Huangpu-Wenchong Shipyard in Guangzhou.

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AAL Shipping names methanol-ready multipurpose heavy lift vessel in China

Singapore-headquartered project heavy lift carrier AAL Shipping (AAL) on Thursday (13 March) said it held a formal naming ceremony for its fifth Super B-Class vessel, AAL Dubai

The 32,000 dwt AAL Dubai – a multipurpose heavy lift vessel that is methanol-ready – was officially named on March 12 at the CSSC Huangpu-Wenchong Shipyard in Guangzhou, China.

The AAL Dubai is engineered to transport a vast array of cargo, including heavy lift project equipment, breakbulk, and dry bulk, all on a single voyage. With a combined lifting capacity of 700 tonnes, this vessel is designed to offer high efficiency, cargo flexibility, and economies of scale to shippers worldwide.

The vessel will now embark on its maiden voyage, joining sister vessels AAL Limassol, AAL Hamburg, AAL Houston, and AAL Antwerp in serving project cargo customers across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas.

“We are now over the halfway mark with our Super B-Class deliveries, and those already in service are exceeding our expectations,” said Liew Teck Liong, Chief Financial Officer at AAL.

“With these vessels, we have achieved both company and industry firsts, and we look forward to redefining what a heavy lift, multipurpose vessel can accomplish as we deploy them for complex cargo challenges.”

Later this year, AAL will take delivery of the AAL Dammam, which will be shortly followed by the AAL Newcastle and AAL Mumbai that have an increased maximum heavy lift capability of 800 tonnes.

 

Photo credit: AAL Shipping
Published: 18 March, 2025

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LNG Bunkering

Titan completes first LNG and bio-LNG bunkering op to MOL under new term contract

Titan’s LNG bunkering vessel “Alice Cosulich” delivered 500 mt of bio-LNG and 400 mt of conventional LNG to vehicle carrier “Celeste Ace” during a SIMOPS bunkering in Port of Zeebrugge.

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Titan completes first LNG and bio-LNG bunkering op to MOL under new term contract

Titan Clean Fuels (Titan) on Monday (17 March) said it has completed the first LNG and liquefied biomethane (bio-LNG) bunkering operation of a new multi-delivery contract for Mitsui O.S.K. Lines’ vehicle carrier fleet.

On 16 March, Titan’s Alice Cosulich LNG bunkering vessel delivered 500 metric tonnes (mt) of bio-LNG and 400 mt of conventional LNG to the Celeste Ace vehicle carrier. The simultaneous operation (SIMOPS) bunkering took place in the Port of Zeebrugge’s International Car Operators (ICO) terminal.

Titan’s delivery of ISCC-EU-certified mass-balanced bio-LNG marks the first of a series of bio-LNG deliveries to the Japanese shipping company. The bio-LNG was produced using waste and residue, which reduces GHG emissions by up to 100% compared to marine diesel on a well-to-wake basis. LNG, bio-LNG, and renewable hydrogen-derived e-methane can be blended at any ratio and ‘dropped into’ existing LNG bunkering infrastructure with little to no modification.

Caspar Gooren, Commercial Director of Renewable Fuels at Titan, said: “This bunkering highlights the growing role of bio-LNG in decarbonizing international shipping today. With bio-LNG availability expanding, its deep decarbonization potential, and increasing commercial viability, the LNG pathway offers practical solutions for shipowners and operators. Moreover, with a global maritime leader like MOL putting its commercial weight behind bio-LNG, this is an exciting time for the clean fuels transition.”

Yoshikazu Urushitani, Marine Fuel GX Division General Manager at MOL, said: “We are exploring the use of ammonia and hydrogen fuels as part of our strategy to adopt clean alternative fuels, while moving to expand the use of LNG-fueled vessels and more quickly achieve a low-carbon society. We will also be early adopters of bio-LNG and synthetic LNG. Partnering with Titan, we will start using bio-LNG to lead the shipping industry in the transition to clean alternative fuels. We remain committed to adopting clean fuels to reach net zero GHG emissions by 2050.”

MOL currently operates five LNG-fuelled vehicle carriers and will have six more delivered by the middle of 2025. 

 

Photo credit: Titan
Published: 18 March, 2025

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