Elkem, NCL and MPCC inaugurate low-emissions container vessel to strengthen strategic European silicon value chains

Haugesund, 1 April 2025:  

NCL (North Sea Container Line AS) together with partners Elkem ASA, and MPC 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.