Viridis Bulk Carriers partners with 5 short sea bulk cargo owners
Ammonia-powered shipping startup Viridis Bulk Carriers have signed MoU’s (memorandum of understanding) with cargo owners Elkem, Vestkorn, BioMar, Franzefoss Minerals and Saltimport. Together, the partners will develop an efficient zero-emission freight network based on Viridis’ ships and cargo volumes from each Client Partner.
Ammonia-powered ships provide trading flexibility
In addition to further developing the ship technology platform, the partnership will explore a zero-emission logistics system comprising ships, fuel logistics and flows of cargo from the 5 cargo owners. The end goal of the project is a flexible bulk shipping network, served by a fleet of ammonia-powered ships, based on long term contracts of affreightment.
The ships will be sufficiently flexible to handle varying types and volumes of cargo, in terms of both operational range and functional capabilities, while maintaining crew and societal safety at the level of conventional ships. Viridis Bulk Carriers expect to place orders for ships during 2022, with deliveries starting in 2024/25.
Cargo optimization enabling better utilization resulting in lower cost for cargo owners
We see clear synergies between the cargo flows of our Client Partners. This is a good starting point to achieve high ship utilization, says Espen Nordstrøm at Virindis Bulk Carriers
With the increased productivity in the logistics chain, the goal is to reduce the cost impact of utilizing carbon-free ammonia fuel, which may initially be more expensive than fuels used today. Realization of the project will have a significant impact on local pollutants and global CO2 emissions from shipping, in addition to reducing value chain emissions for food-, fish feed-, metals-, fertilizer-, construction-, and other industries which transport large bulk and special project cargo volumes.
Elkem is committed to develop its business in support of the ambitions of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris agreement. As one the world’s leading companies in the environmentally responsible manufacturing of metals and material solutions, we look forward to continue the collaboration with Viridis with the ambition to reduce emissions throughout the supply chain, says Ellen Groeneveld, Managing Director at Elkem Maritime Center.
Environmentally ambitious cargo owners are welcome to join
Example of potential routes
André Risholm, Virindis Bulk Carriers
We are pleased that Elkem, Vestkorn, Biomar, Franzefoss Minerals and Saltimport have decided to join us in finding a carbon free solution for their logistical requirements. Together, we invite all environmentally ambitious cargo owners to collaborate with us. Zero emission shipping will be enabled through economies of scale, and our door is open for everyone who finds this interesting, says André Risholm at Viridis Bulk Carriers.
Viridis Bulk Carriers is a joint venture between Navigare Logistics, Amon Maritime and Mosvolds Rederi. The joint venture will develop, build and operate zero emission bulk carriers, drawing on the expertise, networks and capabilities of each of the partners.
For further info:
General inquiries / Media
Karl Arthur Bræin
Tel: +47 9486 1565
Email: kab@amonmaritime.com
Commercial inquiries – Clients
Espen Nordstrøm
Tel: +47 9017 6049
Email: en@navigare.fo
Commercial inquiries - Technology manufacturers
Steinar Kostøl
Tel: +47 9700 5327
Email: sk@amonmaritime.com