NCL Vestland: Norway’s Green Shipping Innovation

Norwegian transportation company North Sea Container Line (NCL) alongside partners Elkem ASA and MPC Container Ships ASA (MPCC) have launched NCL Vestland, a cutting-edge methanol dual-fuel containership, in Haugesund, Norway.

Embarking on its maiden voyage between Western, Central, and Northern Norway and Rotterdam, the Netherlands, NCL Vestland signifies a new era in sustainable maritime transport.

The vessel, the first of two MPCC-owned ships chartered by NCL and commissioned by Elkem, aims to streamline the transportation of Norwegian goods and essential metals to European and global markets. Constructed by China’s Taizhou Sanfu Ship Engineering, this newbuild joined MPCC’s fleet earlier this year.

NCL Vestland and NCL Nordland stand out as Norway’s pioneering bio-methanol-powered ships. Designed in Norway by NCL with backing from the NOx fund and Norwegian Enova, these vessels are at the forefront of environmentally conscious shipping practices. Elkem holds a 40 percent stake in NCL.

Notably, the innovative design of these vessels allows for a substantial increase in freight capacity and a remarkable 63% reduction in energy consumption per TEU per nautical mile compared to the existing fleet. By replacing three conventional container ships with just two, NCL Vestland and NCL Nordland enhance capacity and traffic stability while significantly slashing emissions. These ships are equipped for dual-fuel usage, enabling the transition towards a net-zero emissions future.

With an agreement in place with Equinor for sourcing bio-methanol and bunkering in Norway, NCL ensures that these vessels transport carbon-neutral TEUs from day one of operation.

“These state-of-the-art vessels will play a significant role in transporting Norwegian goods and strategic silicon metals and materials to the continent, cementing Norway’s position as an important and reliable supplier of critical inputs for European industries,” commented Morten Viga, Elkem CFO.

“The collaboration behind this venture exemplifies the power of partnerships in enhancing industrial competitiveness and sustainability, while fostering green value chains across European markets,” added Constantin Baack, CEO of MPCC.

NCL Vestland is currently in service, connecting Stokmarknes and Europe with stops at key industry hubs like Salten, Mo i Rana, Orkanger, Ålesund, and Bremanger. This enables larger weekly shipments of Elkem’s silicon products to European customers across various sectors.

The project received funding from Enova and the NOx fund to support Norway’s climate commitments and emission reduction targets in the transport sector. Elkem and NCL aim to increase the use of bio-methanol as the green fuel market matures.

Featuring 250 kWh battery packs and shore power connections, these vessels are equipped for a carbon- and emission-free future at sea. Safety and operational efficiency are paramount in the vessel design, ensuring a secure passage to Norwegian harbors.