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Container Ships ASA (MPCC), today initiated the operation 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-owned ships, chartered by
NCL and commissioned by Elkem, to enable more effective and environmentally
friendly transportation of Norwegian goods and critical metals and materials to
European and international markets.
NCL VESTLAND and NCL NORDLAND are the first ships powered with bio-methanol in
operations in Norway. They are designed in Norway by NCL, with support from the
NOx fund and Norwegian Enova. Elkem owns 40 per cent of NCL.
The innovative vessel design enables a significant increase in freight capacity
and a 63 per cent reduction in energy consumption per TEU per nautical mile
compared to existing fleet. The two ships will replace three conventional
container ships, while at the same time increasing total capacity and traffic
stability, resulting in a significant reduction of overall emissions. The ships
are designed for dual-fuel utilisation, i.e. conventional fuel and bio-methanol,
paving the way for a net-zero future.
NCL has signed an agreement with Equinor for sourcing of the bio-methanol,
bunkering in Norway. This agreement enables NCL VESTLAND and NCL NORDLAND to
ship carbon neutral TEUs as of first day 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,” said Elkem CFO Morten Viga. “The collaboration
behind this venture exemplifies the power of partnerships in enhancing
industrial competitiveness and sustainability, while fostering green value
chains across European markets.”
“We in NCL are continuously working to make sea freight safer, more efficient
and more environmentally friendly. The ships will boost a significant amount of
innovation and energy saving measures. A key point for us is making it cost
-effective for customers, so that we make green freight the preferred choice,”
says NCL’s Managing Director Bente Hetland.
“Together with our partners NCL and Elkem, this project allows us to set up a
green transportation corridor in Northern Europe, whilst allowing us to make the
right move towards a further decarbonisation of the fleet,” said Constantin
Baack, CEO of MPCC. “It also demonstrates that we can meet ambitious
environmental goals by joining forces with like-minded partners. We are excited
to facilitate a green container shipping supply chain along the Norwegian
coastline.”
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 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.
For further information, please contact:
Bente Hetland, CEO NCL
Tel: +47 90 25 37 90
E-mail: bente.hetland@ncl.no
MPC Container Ships, Investor Relations
ir@mpc-container.com
Marianne Stigset
VP Corporate Communication and Public Affairs
Tel: +47 41 18 84 82
E-mail: marianne.stigset@elkem.com
About NCL VESTLAND
The vessel will operate between Stokmarknes and Rotterdam, Bremerhaven, calling
at Salten, Mo i Rana, Orkanger, Averøy, Ålesund, Svelgen, Bergen, Haugesund, and
Tananger. It will supply Europe with strategically important minerals, fish food
and other commodities via the ports of Bremerhaven and Rotterdam.
Towards net zero
The ship has been developed with support from the Norwegian NOX fund and ENOVA.
In 2025, NCL will operate the vessels with a 5per cent blend of bio-methanol.
The strategy is a gradual increase in bio-methanol during the months and years
ahead.
·
Designed to reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency, enhance safety, and
optimise both cargo capacity and port accessibility.
·
The hull, propeller, and onboard systems are designed for maximum energy
efficiency. The vessel is equipped with shore power.
·
40 per cent greater container capacity compared to current vessels on the same
route.
Energy Efficiency:
·
63 per cent reduction in energy consumption per TEU per nautical mile compared
to existing fleet.
·
The newbuilds will cut NCL’s overall CO2 emissions by 50 per cent, compared to
the existing NCL fleet, when operating on diesel
·
Significantly increased cargo capacity and flexibility:
·
Accommodates a wide range of cargo types
·
Capable of handling substantially larger cargo volumes, enhancing operational
flexibility
·
Designed for various port combinations, allowing flexibility in selecting
continental ports and enabling access to more ports in Norway
·
Onboard cranes ensure efficient port operations and eliminate the need for
onshore cranes in port
About NCL
NCL is the market leader in container shipping in Norway. Founded in 1994 with
headquarters in Haugesund, Norway, the company operate a fleet of container
vessels in intra-European trade and offer a wide range of logistic services. NCL
is taking the lead in the green transition at sea and will reduce overall
emission by 50 % by 2026. We currently have three zero emission vessel on order.
Our first two Methanol powered vessels will be delivered in 2025 and by 2026,
NCL will operate the world’s first Ammonia powered container vessel.
The NCL Group consists of 7 entities in Norway and Lithuania with an annual
revenue of 1 billion NOK.
About MPC Container Ships
MPC Container Ships ASA (ticker code “MPCC”) is a leading container tonnage
provider focusing on small to mid-size container ships. Its main activity is to
own and operate a portfolio of container ships serving intra-regional trade
lanes on fixed-rate charters. The Company is registered and has its business
office in Oslo, Norway. For more information, please visit www.mpc
-container.com.
About Elkem
Elkem is one of the world’s leading providers of advanced silicon-based
materials shaping a better and more sustainable future. The company develops
silicones, silicon products and carbon solutions by combining natural raw
materials, renewable energy and human ingenuity. Elkem helps its customers
create and improve essential innovations like electric mobility, digital
communications, health and personal care as well as smarter and more sustainable
cities. With a strong track record since 1904, its global team of more than
7,200 people have a joint commitment to stakeholders: Delivering your potential.
In 2024, Elkem achieved an operating income of NOK 33 billion. Elkem has been
awarded top score of A on Forests and Water Security, and B on Climate Change
from CDP. Elkem is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (ticker: ELK), where the
company is also included in the ESG Index. www.elkem.com
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