A maritime game changer
BRF Froan
Berge Rederi is pioneering a new era in maritime transport with the introduction of a groundbreaking vessel designed to operate entirely without emissions. This vessel which will be the world’s largest battery powered bulk carrier, is set to ship marble from Brønnøy and Visnes to Omya Hustadmarmor's production plant in Elnesvågen.
The vessel’s propulsion system will be powered by advanced batteries, charged at loading port in Remman (Brønnøy) and discharging port in Elnesvågen. To maximize energy efficiency, the vessel will also be equipped with 2 rotor sails which will reduce overall energy consumption by a significant amount. Additionally, an electric excavator and shore power connections will be utilized at both ports to maintain fully emission free cargo operations.
Covering approximately 230 nautical miles between Elnesvågen and Brønnøy, this vessel will set a new benchmark in the industry far surpassing the current longest battery electric ferry route of just 15 nautical miles. The vessel's operation is expected to significantly lower environmental impact to an exceptional degree, cutting CO2 emissions by around 9 000 tons and NOx emissions by 200 tons annually.
This initiative is also part of Omya’s commitment to more sustainable and environmental friendly logistics, supported by the development of shore power infrastructure at both ports. The project has received backing and support from the Norwegian NOx Fund and Enova, additionally the development process has been guided by the GSP Service Centre for Green Fleet Renewal.
By incorporating an array of various advanced technologies and innovating solutions, this vessel will make a substantial stride in minimizing the carbon footprint in the maritime industry. Furthermore, the vessel will exemplify the extraordinary potential of achieving large scale maritime operations with zero emissions.
Zero-emission vessel
The vessel is a 13 250 DWT bulk carrier, with a length overall (LOA) of 129,9 meters and a beam (B) of 20,6 meters. The vessel is designed to operate with zero emissions, setting a new standard in sustainable maritime transport.
Rotor sails
The vessel features two 24m x 4m rotor sails, contributing to an average power saving of 339 kW per voyage.
Electric excavator
The vessel will be fitted with an electric excavator further enhancing the vessel's zero-emission credentials.
Battery power
Equipped with a 23,5 MWh battery package, the vessel ensures energy-efficient, emission-free operations. Shore power facilities will be installed in both ports allowing the vessel to recharge the batteries. Efficient shore power charging at each port is estimated to consume 5 133 000 kWh annually.
Operational and Environmental impact
The vessel will load marble stone in Brønnøy, which will be transported to Elnesvågen, where it will be processed into calcium carbonate. The vessel will cover a route of 228 nautical miles between Brønnøy and Elnesvågen.
The vessel's operation is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 9 000 tons per year and NOx emissions by around 200 tons per year.
