- MPC Container Ships, in partnership with North Sea Container Line AS (NCL) and Elkem ASA, celebrated the christening of NCL VESTLAND in Haugesund, Norway.
- This marks the commencement of the vessel’s service between Western, Central and Northern Norway and Rotterdam.
- The container feeder vessel is the first of two MPCC dual-fuel 1,300 TEU newbuildings to be delivered in 2025.
Elkem, in partnership with North Sea Container Line (NCL) and MPC Container Ships (MPCC), have christened the NCL VESTLAND, the first of two dual-fuel 1,300 TEU newbuildings to be delivered in 2025, reads an official company release.
The ceremony marks the start of the vessel’s service between Western, Central, and Northern Norway and Rotterdam.
The container feeder vessel is the first of two MPCC dual-fuel 1,300 TEU newbuildings to be delivered in 2025, and is also the first dual-fuel vessel in the MPCC fleet which enables operation on methanol.
The vessels come with 15-year time charters to NCL, backed by CoAs from various parties, including a 15-year CoA with Norwegian industrial group Elkem. The vessels will enable more effective and environmentally friendly transportation of Norwegian goods and critical metals and materials to European and international markets.
Supplying strategic European value chains
NCL VESTLAND is already in service, trading between Stokmarknes and Europe, with port calls at key industry hubs such as Salten, Mo i Rana, Orkanger, Ålesund and Bremanger enabling larger weekly shipments of Elkem’s silicon products to European customers in sectors such as automotive manufacturing, construction, renewable energy and the defence industry.
“Through this investment, the consortium is supporting Norway in meeting international climate commitments and national targets for emission reductions in the transport sector,” said Elkem CFO Morten Viga. “Equally important is the fact that these ships will increase opportunities for growth and jobs along the Norwegian coast.”
Supported by Enova and the Norwegian NOx Fund
The project to build the two vessels received NOK 13.7 million in funding from Enova, the state enterprise owned by the Norwegian Ministry of Climate and Environment, and NOK 60 million from the NOx fund, the Norwegian business sector’s fund to reduce emissions.
Elkem and NCL’s ambition is to gradually increase the share of bio-methanol used, as the market for green fuel for shipping matures. The ships also feature 250 kWh battery packs, and shore power connections, rigged for a carbon- and emission-free future at sea.
Enabling a safer passage to Norwegian harbours
Safety and operational efficiency are paramount in the design of the vessels, enabling a safer passage to Norwegian harbours. The “Open Top” design minimises the need for crew on deck, further enhancing safety. Electric cranes on-deck are designed to enhance efficiency when in port, independent of onshore infrastructure.
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Source: Elkem
