Viken AT Market and AT Skog, leaders in the Norwegian forestry industry, are pioneering sustainable timber transport by partnering with Skarv Shipping and Arriva Shipping to ship Norwegian timber on zero-emission vessels starting in 2027. This groundbreaking initiative will utilise ships powered by ammonia and electric propulsion, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of timber transportation.
Viken AT Market ships approximately one million tons of Norwegian timber to the continent annually. Most of the current transport to customers is done with conventional diesel-powered ships. Starting in the summer of 2027, Viken AT Market will move part of its timber transport to a brand-new vessel that will run on electricity and ammonia.
“We are proud to secure shipping transport using zero-emission technology. With this hybrid vessel, we can provide our customers with more sustainable logistics. 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,” says Kjersti Denver, CEO of Viken AT Market.
“The shipping agreement is part of a clear direction that AT Skog wants to pursue more environmentally friendly shipping. We believe that future increases in CO₂ emission taxes will render ammonia-powered ships profitable. The long-term agreement we have established with Viken AT Market represents another step towards reducing emissions in our timber transport,” says Hans Erik Røra, Director of Market and Logistics at AT Skog.
“Since 2020, AT Skog and Viken AT Market have been tirelessly working towards creating an environmentally friendly ship for timber transport. 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,” Røra adds.
The contract is negotiated via Norbroker Shipping & Trading, a long-standing shipbroker and partner of Viken AT Market.
The concept was developed by Bergen-based Skarv Shipping, with support from Grieg Shipbrokers to realise the technology and yard agreement. Arriva Shipping will take the vessel on TC and manage the commercial ship operation for Viken AT Market.
“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. They also deserve commendation for their forward-thinking approach and willingness to invest in the solutions we can now offer,” states Bjørn Ødegård, Commercial Director at Arriva Shipping.
The ship is designed to sail most efficiently at low speeds, which 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 continent.
“This is our first ship capable of sailing on ammonia from day one, allowing it to operate with minimal greenhouse gas emissions. Simultaneously, the engine is linked to an electric propulsion system that utilises batteries and has access to shore power,” states Jan Øivind Svardal, CEO of Skarv Shipping.
“The design and operation of the vessel consider the risks associated with using ammonia as fuel. Safety will be a primary focus and will be developed in close cooperation with class, manufacturers of green technology and LMG Marin as ship designer. The ship will be outfitted with highly advanced safety systems, alongside operational safety procedures and crew training,” says Svardal.
The ship is, in many ways, an updated version of the sister ships Skarv Shipping has ordered for commercial operation for Peak CSL Group. It is also specially equipped for timber transport.
