China Lands Low-Carbon Norwegian Series

The 7,000dwt design is particularly well suited to project shipments for the wind energy sector and has been developed by Bergen consultancy LMG Marin based on input from the Peak Group and Grieg Edge, owners of joint venture Skarv Shipping Solutions.

The order encompasses four 108m newbuilds, plus options covering up to four further vessels, with the initial delivery stipulated for the third quarter of 2025. Huanghai, located in the north of the country at Rongcheng, Shandong province, is expected to effect completions at four-month intervals.

“These ships are far more climate-friendly than what we see in the short-sea market in Europe today, with a very low fuel consumption,” stated Skarv CEO Jan Oivind Svardal, adding “They are not what we imagine is the final climate solution for shipping, but they are a giant step in the right direction.”

The propulsion machinery and associated arrangements will offer future adaptability to ammonia or methanol fuel, complemented by a battery pack and a shore power connection. The specification includes a high-voltage switchboard prepared for adoption of fuel cell technology and increased battery capacity.

With 10,120m³ hold volume, revenue-earning potential within the given hull envelope is maximised by a forward bridge and accommodation configuration and 1,600m² of wide, open deck space for cargo. Scope and versatility as to shipments and parcel sizes is rendered by heavy-duty hatches, portable tweendeck, and open-top functionality.

The maximum cargo intake is 6,650t, and a focus on deck space, in combination with load strengths and stability criteria, reflects Skarv’s targeting of business in the transport of equipment for Europe’s renewable energy sector, such as wind turbine components and medium-sized modules. Moreover, the design offers suitability for almost all kinds of short-sea project cargo.

Earlier this year, Skarv announced that it had secured a NOK130m ($12m) grant from government agency Enova towards the cost of three new 4,000dwt low-emission cargo ships for Norwegian coastwise trade.

As to Skarv’s parents, the Bergen-domiciled Peak Group currently operates 30-40 dry cargo, project and self-discharging vessels in the 1,000-6,000dwt range, while Grieg Edge is a new undertaking of Grieg Maritime Group dedicated to innovation in short-sea shipping and related fields.