Viridis Bulk Carriers inked an agreement with cargo owners Elkem, Vestkorn, BioMar, Franzefoss Minerals and Saltimport for ammonia-powered shipping project.
Using a fleet of ammonia-powered short sea bulk carriers, the goal is to explore a zero-emission logistics system comprising ships, fuel, and logistics to transport the cargo from the companies.
Under their collaboration, partners seek to create a flexible bulk shipping network, served by a fleet of ammonia-powered ships, managing cost with long-term cargo contracts.
We see clear synergies between the cargo flows of our Client Partners. This is a good starting point to achieve high ship utilization.
…says Espen Nordstrøm at Viridis Bulk Carriers.
The project plans to use reciprocating engines that will burn ammonia to generate propulsive power, and an exhaust gas after-treatment system optimized for ammonia that will eliminate any by-products. They also plan to use batteries and shore power connections creating an ammonia-electric hybrid power system. The electric system will enable maneuvering and cargo operations without emissions.
As informed, the JV is in discussions with a number of shipyards for placing orders for a series of vessels planned for deliveries 2024-2025.
“With the increased productivity in the logistics chain, the goal is to reduce the cost impact of utilizing carbon-free ammonia fuel, which may initially be more expensive than fuels used today. Realization of the project will have a significant impact on local pollutants and global CO2 emissions from shipping, in addition to reducing value chain emissions for food-, fish feed-, metals-, fertilizer-, construction-, and other industries which transport large bulk and special project cargo volumes”.
…Espen Nordstrøm concluded.
Concluding, partners’ main goal is to develop ships that will be sufficiently flexible to handle varying types and volumes of cargo, in terms of both operational range and functional capabilities, while maintaining safety.
