The Norwegian government firm Enova has awarded HeidelbergCement and the Norwegian agricultural cooperative Felleskjpet AGRI, as well as shipping company Egil Ulvan Rederi, 100 MNOK to build the world’s first zero-emission bulk carrier. Statkraft and Skagerak Energi’s bunkering option received 14 MNOK in favor. The warship is expected to be finished and commissioned in 2024.
The objective is to use emission-free transportation to move aggregates for HeidelbergCement and grain for partner Felleskjpet from West Norway to East Norway and vice versa.
A tender process was held in 2021, and Egil Ulvan Rederi of Norway was chosen as the operator who will construct the vessel. The ship is extremely energy efficient, thanks to the use of rotor sails and a streamlined design that cuts down on consumption. At the same time, Statkraft and Skagerak Enerenrgi were named as the ship’s green hydrogen suppliers.
The bunkering option for green hydrogen has also received support.
Enova will provide 14 million MNOK to help Statkraft and Skagerak Energi create a bunkering solution for Egil Ulvan’s hydrogen-powered bulk carrier.
Container-swapping is being tested as a principal bunkering option for bulk and container ships by Statkraft and Skagerak Energi. Green hydrogen will be compressed and stored in exchangeable canisters. This solution is applicable to both shipping and other modes of transportation.
“In keeping with our goal, this is a key milestone for Statkraft in establishing ourselves as a leading hydrogen producer.” It complements other hydrogen-related activities we have in Norway and Sweden,” adds Birgitte R. Vartdal, Statkraft’s Executive Vice President for Wind and Solar Power.
