Viridis plans for zero-emission ships by 2024

Written by Nick Blenkey
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Ships will have ammonia-electric hybrid power system.[Image: Viridis Bulk Carriers]

A company aiming to be the world’s first zero-emissions vessel operator says that it is already in discussions with shipyards with a view to having ammonia fueled vessels on the water by 2024.

Viridis Bulk Carriers AS is a joint venture between two Norwegian shipowners, Navigare Logistics and Mosvolds Rederi, and zero emission ship project specialists Amon Maritime.

Together with Kongsberg Maritime, Viridis Bulk Carriers has developed a flexible, zero emission short sea bulk carrier concept that it says is simple, robust and cost-efficient.

“In order to reach large scale adoption, we believe zero emission ships need the same operational capabilities as conventional vessels,” says Viridis. “Therefore, our short sea bulk carriers will have range capacity exceeding 3,000 nautical miles.”

AMMONIA-ELECTRIC HYBRID POWER

“Reciprocating engines will burn ammonia to generate propulsive power, and an exhaust gas after treatment system optimized for ammonia will eliminate any byproducts, ensuring that we do not replace CO2 emissions with other harmful pollutants,” says the company. “Batteries and shore power connection will be included for support, constituting an ammonia-electric hybrid power system, enabling silent maneuvering and cargo operations.”

Viridis is planning a range of different configurations of its flexible design to meet charterer’s requirements, including self-unloaders and project cargo variants such as wind turbine blade transporters.

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