Wind-assisted hybrid propulsion underpins Halten Bulk’s move toward cleaner self-discharger operations.
Halten Bulk has signed a contract with SOHO Marine for the construction of two firm plus two optional “Powered by Nature” self-discharging bulk carriers, each with a deadweight of 7,100 tonnes. The newbuilds form a central part of the company’s fleet renewal strategy and are designed to significantly reduce emissions in short-sea operations.
Developed by Egil Ulvan Rederi AS in collaboration with The Norwegian Ship Design Company, the vessels combine rotor sails with a hybrid-electric propulsion system, including a shaft generator and battery pack. Each ship will also carry an electric excavator and incorporate a range of additional energy-efficiency measures. The newbuilds are positioned as a major step forward in sustainable, low-emission sea transport, delivering environmental performance without compromising on commercial competitiveness.
Through the integration of new technology, Halten Bulk achieves operational benefits that enable low-carbon transportation at competitive freight rates.
The vessels will primarily operate in the spot market along the Norwegian coast, in the North Sea, the Nordic region and the Baltic, in line with Halten Bulk’s existing fleet.
The yard impressed with a thorough and detailed technical review process and a positive, solution-oriented approach. The contracts are already effective for the first two vessels, and Halten Bulk has secured options for two additional units.
“This is a major day for the company as we now replace older tonnage with new low-emission vessels,” says Ivar Ulvan, Managing Director of Halten Bulk AS. “The vessels now contracted are a natural continuation of the ‘Powered by Nature’ concept developed by Egil Ulvan Rederi AS in close cooperation with The Norwegian Ship Design Company. The ship is primarily designed to harness the energy available in wind – delivering some of the most advanced sailing performance achieved in a cargo vessel to date.”
“The new ships will provide our employees with an excellent workplace and, importantly, deliver significant emission reductions for our customers at competitive prices. This is a natural step before zero-emission fuels become commercially available. Our great-grandfather built motor vessels with auxiliary sails – one hundred years later, the circle is complete,” Ulvan concludes with a smile.
Gjermund Johannessen, Managing Director of The Norwegian Ship Design Company, said:
“As a company, we have worked purposefully to become a leader in the development and realisation of bespoke, energy-efficient low and zero emission ship designs. Halten Bulk, Egil Ulvan Rederi and The Norwegian Ship Design Company have enjoyed close cooperation over a long period. Key personnel from the companies have together developed and delivered a double-digit number of vessels. The ‘Powered by Nature’ concept is another example of this fruitful collaboration.”
