Viridis gets government funds to build two ammonia-fuelled bulk carriers
Norwegian shipping company Viridis Bulk Carrier has received government funds to construct two ammonia-powered bulk carriers.
PHOTO: A model of Viridis Bulk Carrier's ammonia-powered short-sea bulk carrier. Viridis Bulk Carrier
The Norwegian government's green funding programme, ENOVA, which aims to boost the adoption of innovative technologies for emission-free transportation, has granted funds worth NOK 152 million (around $14.8 million) to the company for the project.
“The world's energy systems must become emission-free if we are to succeed in reaching the goals we have set ourselves in the Paris Agreement. For shipping, this requires us to adopt new technologies and sustainable zero-emission fuels,” Norwegian Minister for Environment and Climate Espen Barth Eide says.
The short-sea ammonia-powered bulk carriers will have a sailing range of 3,000 nautical miles, which is similar to that of a conventional short-sea bulk carrier.
The vessels have been designed by technology firm Kongsberg Maritime in close collaboration with the Flexbulk NH3 Ammonia Power consortium that comprises eight charterers “to ensure that cargo capacities and operational capabilities are just as future-proof as the power technology and emissions reductions,” Viridis Bulk Carriers says.
Viridis Bulk Carriers anticipates placing the vessel orders later this year, with deliveries expected in 2025.
“This is a key milestone in our long-term commitment to decarbonize the short sea bulk market together with forward-thinking clients and leading technology makers,” Viridis Bulk Carriers co-founder and board member Espen Nordstrøm says.
Viridis Bulk Carriers’ short-sea ammonia-powered bulk carrier design received approvals from classification societies Bureau Veritas and DNV in March and June this year, respectively.
The shipping company is also part of the “Ammonia Fuel Bunkering Network”, which will build a bunkering network in Scandinavia in collaboration with ammonia producer Yara International and bunkering firm Azane Fuel Solution.
Viridis Bulk Carriers is a joint venture between the Norwegian shipping firms Navigare Logistics and Mosvolds Rederi, along with maritime project developer Amon Maritime.
By Tuhin Roy
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