A new weekly container service will make the sea route to Oslo greener. North Sea Container Line (NCL) launches the route. This marks the beginning of one of the world’s first zero‑emission freight corridors for container transport. Later this year, the ammonia-powered zero-emission vessel Yara Eyde will be introduced on the route.
- We have ambitious plans to develop one of the world’s first true zero-emission corridors for container transport, in cooperation with Yara International. This will be a green corridor between Europe and the Oslofjord. The route is commercially sustainable, while the development of the zero-emission vessel has received public funding. We expect many cargo owners to choose a zero-emission alternative once it becomes available in regular service,” says Martin Torkelsen, Chief Commercial Manager at NCL.
Building the route before the zero-emission vessel enters service
Until Yara Eyde is operational, MV Tunadal will ensure Yara’s need for weekly export of fertilizer, while the route is built up. The first call in Oslo is on 12 February. “Yara Eyde will demonstrate ammonia as a zero-emission fuel while we strengthen our service offering throughout the Oslofjord. The start-up phase will be used to test everything from terminals and digital systems to load planning and route optimisation,” says Martin Torkelsen at NCL.
More cargo moved to sea
The new service connects Rotterdam, Oslo, Brevik, and Bremerhaven in a weekly rotation. The vessel departs Rotterdam on Tuesdays and returns the following Tuesday. NCL expects the route to help shift more cargo from road to sea, partly due to changes in European production and trade. “The zero-emission route will be a cost-effective alternative. Demand for fixed, combined transport solutions is increasing. We see growth potential for both imports and exports,” says Torkelsen. Import volumes are expected particularly from major importers, distribution centres, grocery suppliers, and brand owners in the Oslofjord region. On the export side, Yara is the main cargo owner, but the route is open to other industrial customers.
Predictability will be crucial
NCL stresses that success depends on predictability throughout the logistics chain. Reliable deliveries and good terminal capacity will be essential. “We compete with a very efficient road transport sector. For sea transport to strengthen its position, terminals must deliver high productivity. Time-wasters need to be eliminated at all stages,” says Martin Torkelsen.
Important step
Port Director Ingvar M. Mathisen welcomes the new service.
-I am convinced that this new route will shift more cargo to sea. With Yara Eyde on the route, Oslo gains a zero-emission corridor to Europe. I commend the company for investing in green energy. These are exactly the types of customers we need to get closer to our vision of becoming the world’s most efficient and environmentally friendly city port, says Port Director Ingvar M. Mathisen.
The container terminal operator in Oslo, Yilport Oslo, will contribute to an efficient and environmentally friendly logistics operation.
-Container handling at the terminal will become emission-free during the year. This creates a green flow of goods from the continent, via a zero-emission terminal, and onwards on land with zero-emission trucks,” says Bjørn Engelsen, Terminal Manager at Yilport Oslo.
Facts
- The route is established through the joint venture company NCL Oslofjord AS. Yara is the main cargo owner, and NCL is the operator.
- The company will offer door-to-door solutions and connections to larger European logistics networks.
- According to NCL Oslofjord AS, the route will be one of the world’s first zero-emission corridors for container transport and the first true green corridor for container shipping between Europe and the Oslofjord.
- North Sea Container Line (NCL) is a Norwegian container shipping company focusing on shortsea and feeder traffic in Northern Europe. The company offers regular liner services and integrated logistics solutions, working with terminal operators and inland partners to connect regional ports with European supply chains.
- Yara International ASA is a Norwegian chemical company that produces, distributes, and sells nitrogen-based mineral fertiliser and related industrial products. The company also offers phosphate-, potassium-based, and specialty fertilisers.
- Yara Eyde will become one of the world’s first ammonia-powered container vessels. Ammonia contains no carbon and therefore emits no CO₂ when used as fuel. Yara Eyde has received NOK 40 million in support from Enova.
- MV Tunadal – conventional container ship built in 2012. Capacity: 1050 TEU.