A project to deliver the world’s first ammonia-powered bulker has taken a significant step forward with approval in principle (AiP) from the French classification society Bureau Veritas.
Viridis Bulk Carriers is planning to build five 5,000-dwt shortsea ships to achieve zero-carbon shipping.
The company is a joint venture between Norwegian shipowner Mosvolds Rederi and its green shipping spin-off Amon Maritime, in partnership with Faroese owner Navigare Logistics.
Viridis described the approval as a “major milestone”, enabling the uptake of ammonia as a fuel to decarbonise the maritime industry.
“The approval is an important step towards being able to order the first series of vessels. Viridis Bulk Carriers expect to place orders for ships during 2023, with deliveries starting in 2025,” the start-up said.
The vessel design is by Kongsberg Maritime, with work covering hydrodynamics, stability, safety, machinery and electrical aspects.
“We are inspired by the Viridis Bulk Carriers strategy not to take a wait-and-see approach to decarbonisation but to partner with high-end clients who are making value-driven choices to reduce CO2 emissions for transportation of their products,” said Einar Vegsund, director of ship design solutions at Kongsberg Maritime.
In November, Viridis signed up another charterer, with UK aggregates shipper Stema Shipping becoming the eighth cargo owner to join the Norwegian Flexbulk-NH3 power project that will use the ships.
The shipowner already has deals with Elkem, Vestkorn, Yara, BioMar, Franzefoss Minerals, Viken AT Market and Saltimport.
The eight charterers represent a significant cargo volume in the north European shortsea bulk market, Viridis believes.
Safe innovation
The project was launched in 2020. The vessels’ sailing range will be over 3,000 nautical miles (5,500 km).
“We have developed the understanding required and the classification rules that help make safe innovation possible. Our notations and guidance for new fuels provide a key framework for the future,” said Herman Spilker, Bureau Veritas vice president for marine and offshore in northern Europe.
Viridis is also a member of the Ammonia Fuel Bunkering Network, which will build a supply chain in collaboration with giant ammonia producer Yara.
The first terminal will be delivered in 2024.
Yara has ordered an additional 15 bunkering terminals for the Scandinavian market.
“The approval in principle from Bureau Veritas is a major milestone for Viridis and will enable us to move towards the newbuilding phase.
“With the European Union and IMO increasing their emission reduction targets, the Viridis vessels will comply with these and be able to provide charterers with superior greenhouse gas reductions in their logistical value chain,” said Espen Nordstrom, managing director at Navigare Logistics.
