Norway’s Skarv orders four alternative fuel-flexible vessels

Short-sea shipping company Skarv Shipping has ordered four ammonia- or methanol-ready multipurpose vessels from China’s Huanghai Shipbuilding.

PHOTO: A model of Skarv Shipping’s ammonia- or methanol-ready multipurpose vessel. Skarv Shipping

A multipurpose vessel is a seagoing ship designed to carry various types of cargo.

The 7,000-dwt vessels will include an “engine ready for ammonia or methanol,” Skarv says.

Ammonia or methanol-ready means that the vessels will likely run on conventional fuels from when they are delivered, until they are converted to be able to consume the alternative fuels. These vessels are generally designed in a way that prepares them for future retrofits.

The vessels have been designed by Norwegian engineering firm LMG Marin “based on the core competence of Peak Group and Grieg Edge, with vital contribution from Grieg Shipbrokers.”

The multipurpose vessels will be equipped with batteries and a shore power system. It will also feature “a high-voltage switchboard prepared for future green power production like fuel cell technologies and increased battery capacity,” Skarv adds.

The company expects the first vessel to be delivered in the third quarter of 2025, followed by the others at four-month intervals. The deal has an option to order four more of these vessels in the future.

“There is considerable demand for reduced carbon emissions related to industry projects in Europe, and these ships will be ideal for many of these,” Grieg Edge’s managing director Nicolai Grieg says.

Skarv Shipping is a joint venture between business groups Peak Group and Grieg Edge.

By Tuhin Roy

Please get in touch with comments or additional info to news@engine.online