GC Rieber’s new battery-powered freight carrier

The new vessel will be optimised for short-sea operations along the Norwegian coast, featuring advanced battery systems and shore power integration. It will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and noise pollution compared to conventional diesel-powered ships.

GC Rieber Shipping’s subsidiary Polar Energy Shipco was awarded a grant from Enova to support the construction of the specialised vessel. The initiative is part of Norway’s broader push toward zero-emission maritime transport with Enova owned by the country’s Ministry of Climate and the Environment.

The vessel will be developed in close partnership with freight owners GC Rieber Minerals and Franzefoss Minerals, both of whom are committed to reducing the carbon footprint of their supply chains. The project aims to demonstrate the commercial and environmental viability of battery-electric propulsion in coastal freight operations. GC Rieber shipping has entered into a letter of intent with K. Sætre & Sønner for operation of the vessel. K. Sætre & Sønner specialises in the transportation of bulk commodities and general cargo in the North Sea.

“This support from Enova enables us to accelerate the transition to zero-emission shipping,” said Einar Ytredal, CEO at GC Rieber Shipping. “Together with GC Rieber Minerals and Franzefoss Minerals, we are proud to lead the way in developing cleaner, more efficient maritime transport solutions.”

GC Rieber Shipping has a clear ambition to realize zero-emission vessels across multiple segments. This project is an important step in gaining both development and operational experience with battery-electric systems, which will serve as a foundation for broader adoption of clean technologies in the company’s fleet.

“This project is a key enabler for us to deliver low-emission transport of salts and minerals. We are proud to be in the forefront of delivering sustainable solutions that our customers and partners are continuously asking.” stated Per Gunnar Syrdalen, chief commercial officer at GC Rieber Minerals. “We believe that a forward leaning partnership between freight owners is the key to deliver net zero maritime solution. That our sister company are participating and are taking lead is a bonus and made this possible.”