Norway’s timber industry plays a crucial role in the country’s economy, exporting approximately 1 million tons of timber annually to European markets. However, most of this transport has relied on traditional diesel-powered vessels, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. In an effort to push the industry forward, Viken AT Market is committing to zero-emission transport, securing a long-term shipping agreement with Skarv Shipping and Arriva Shipping.
Kjersti Denver, CEO of Viken AT Market, stated:
“We are proud to secure shipping transport using zero-emission technology. With this hybrid vessel, we can provide our customers with more sustainable logistics."
AT Skog shares this commitment with Hans Erik Røra, Director of Market and Logistics, highlighting the long-term benefits of switching to ammonia-powered ships. “We believe that future increases in CO₂ emission taxes will make ammonia-powered ships a profitable and sustainable alternative.”
While the shipping industry has been exploring low-carbon alternatives, this marks one of the first instances of ammonia-powered vessels being used for timber transport from day one. Ammonia, a fuel that emits no CO₂ when burned, is seen as a key enabler of decarbonized shipping—especially for industries with heavy cargo transport needs.
A major advantage of ammonia is its potential to meet IMO’s 2050 climate targets for reducing emissions in the maritime sector. Unlike LNG (liquefied natural gas), which still emits CO₂, ammonia offers a pathway toward truly net-zero operations.
Furthermore, Skarv Shipping’s vessel will be a hybrid model, incorporating electric propulsion and shore power to further reduce emissions when docked. This combination ensures maximum efficiency at low speeds, making long-haul timber transport not just greener but also economically viable.
One of the biggest challenges of ammonia-powered ships is safety. While ammonia is a clean alternative, it is also a toxic substance, requiring careful handling. Skarv Shipping has collaborated with LMG Marin, Grieg Shipbrokers, and green technology manufacturers to develop advanced safety systems. The vessel’s design integrates:
According to Jan Øivind Svardal, CEO of Skarv Shipping, “This is our first ship capable of sailing on ammonia from day one, allowing it to operate with minimal greenhouse gas emissions.”
This pioneering initiative is part of a larger push to decarbonize Norway’s coastal fleet. As shipping companies face increasing pressure to reduce emissions, partnerships like the one between Viken AT Market, AT Skog, and Skarv Shipping could serve as a blueprint for other industries seeking to transition to cleaner transport solutions.
The first zero-emission timber vessel is scheduled for delivery in Q2 2027, setting a precedent for how heavy cargo transport can evolve toward sustainability. With forward-thinking companies leading the way, Norway’s timber industry is proving that green logistics is not just possible—but also profitable.
