Norway Launches Its Inaugural Bio-Methanol Powered Vessels

Norway is stepping up its game in sustainable shipping with the launch of its first bio-methanol-powered vessel, a meaningful leap towards greener maritime practices. This initiative, a collaboration between North Sea Container Line and MPC Container Ships, aims to boost trade with Europe while slashing emissions.

The inaugural ship, named NCL Vestland, was officially launched on April 1. Its sister ship, NCL Nordland, will join it soon. These vessels where commissioned in 2023 as part of a government-backed initiative to promote eco-amiable shipping solutions. The project secured NOK 13.7 million (around US$1.3 million) from Enova SF—an enterprise under norway’s Ministry of Climate and environment—and an additional NOK 60 million (approximately US$5.7 million) from the NOx fund aimed at emission reductions.

Constructed by taizhou Sanfu Ship Engineering in China, these ships are equipped with dual-fuel engines that can run on traditional fuel or green methanol. When operating on diesel, they promise to cut NCL’s CO2 emissions by half compared to their current fleet. By 2025, NCL plans to incorporate a blend of bio-methanol into their operations and gradually increase this proportion over time through an agreement with Equinor for methanol supply.

Measuring 149 meters (489 feet), the hull design focuses on energy efficiency alongside advanced onboard systems and propellers. Each vessel boasts a battery pack of 250 kWh and can utilize shore power when docked. With a capacity for 1,300 TEU containers and an “Open Top” design that reduces crew requirements on deck for enhanced safety, these ships also feature electric cranes that improve port efficiency without relying heavily on local infrastructure.

The new vessels will replace three older ones while offering a remarkable increase in container capacity—40% more than those currently servicing feeder routes—leading to an impressive reduction in energy consumption per TEU per nautical mile by about 63%.

NCL has secured long-term contracts for transporting goods from Norway using these ships; one notable partner is Elkem—a company specializing in silicon-based materials—which anticipates larger weekly shipments across various sectors including automotive manufacturing and renewable energy thanks to this new service along key Norwegian ports.

“These cutting-edge vessels are crucial for delivering Norwegian goods and essential silicon materials across Europe,” stated Morten viga, CFO of Elkem.

The route will connect Stokmarknes with major European ports like Rotterdam and Bremerhaven while facilitating the transport of vital minerals alongside fish feed among other commodities through these hubs.

This marks just the beginning; NCL plans to introduce three zero-emission capable vessels overall—including two powered by methanol—and is also set to launch the world’s first ammonia-powered container ship through collaboration with Yara International by 2026 as part of another innovative project supported by Enova funding.