Ammonia-powered timber shipping in Norway

New electricity-ammonia hybrid vessel to start operations in 2027

Click to learn more. Graphic visualisation of the new ammonia-electric hybrid timber transport ship, developed by Skarv Shipping.

Viken AT Market, a Norwegian timber exporter that ships approximately 1 million tons of timber to Europe each year, will move part of its timber transport operations to a brand-new vessel that will run on electricity and ammonia, starting in mid-2027. The vessel was developed by Skarv Shipping (with support from Grieg Maritime), with Arriva Shipping to commercial ship operations for Viken after launch.

Ship designer LMG Marin (the company behind the design for the MS Green Ammonia) has leveraged many of the safety features and principles used in the development of other ammonia-powered vessels. The announcement also indicates the partners have agreed to a long-term shipping contract for the vessel. Chinese shipyard Huanghai Shipbuilding will construct the vessels.

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.

Vessel specifications, in Skarv Shipping’s official press release, 19 Feb 2025

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.

Bjørn Ødegård, Commercial Director at Arriva Shipping, in Skarv Shipping’s official press release, 19 Feb 2025

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.

Jan Øivind Svardal, CEO of Skarv Shipping, in his organisation’s official press release, 19 Feb 2025

In May 2023 Skarv was awarded funding by Enova to construct three short-haul cargo vessels, propelled by Wärtsilä’s 4-stroke ammonia engines. The ongoing relationship with Huanghai Shipbuilding was established in October 2023, when up to eight multi-purpose, short sea cargo ships were ordered, with the first to be delivered later this year. These 7,000 DWT vessels will feature a suite of decarbonised power options, including ammonia or methanol-ready engines, batteries, a shore-power system, peak shaving with a dynamic propeller drive system, and a high-voltage switchboard prepared for future green power production like fuel cell technologies and increased battery capacity.