Arriva Shipping bolsters green fleet with new battery hybrid cargo vessel order

Norwegian shipping player Arriva Shipping has booked a new 8,000 dwt battery hybrid dry cargo vessel to be constructed by the China-based shipbuilder Jiangsu SOHO Marine Heavy Industry.

As disclosed, the vessel is slated for delivery in the third quarter of 2026.

It is set to join its sister vessel the 199.9-meter-long 8,300 dwt Nor Viking—built by China’s Pacific Ocean Engineering and delivered in August 2022—as well as one more newbuilding the steel-cutting ceremony for which was held in August 2024 at the Jiangsu SOHO shipyard. This vessel is projected to be welcomed by the end of 2025.

It is understood that Norwegian and European partners will supply ‘key’ project components, including the design and the hybrid package that entails a 2 MW battery hybrid system, owing to which the unit is anticipated to cut down on harmful emissions and reduce its energy use while remaining in line with ‘strict’ environmental stipulations.

“This investment aligns with our goal of modernizing the fleet and reducing our carbon footprint. SH008 builds on the success of Nor Viking and its hybrid technology, further enhancing our efficiency and sustainability,” Arriva Shipping CEO and Partner Sindre Matre highlighted.

Arriva Shipping is believed to currently own and operate a fleet of eight self-discharging dry cargo vessels, with capacities ranging from 2,000 to 8,000 deadweight tons, meaning that the two units that are awaiting delivery mark the ninth and tenth additions to the company’s roster.

Its existing eco-friendly fleet primarily operates in Northern Europe, transporting materials such as concrete and asphalt aggregates, timber, wood chips, coal, coke, minerals, gypsum, salt, and concrete elements.

Owing to their ability to slash greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and minimize fuel consumption, with reduced wear and tear, battery hybrid ships have come to be considered as an ‘immediate’ and ‘practical’ solution for many stakeholders as the maritime industry transitions toward decarbonization.

Across segments, from containerships and pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs) to ferries, numerous battery-hybrid solutions were introduced over the past couple of years.

For instance, at the beginning of 2024, namely in February, the world saw its ‘first’ shipbuilding order for a quartet of battery-powered autonomous double-ended ferries. Norwegian ferry operator Fjord1 AS was behind this booking, while Türkiye’s Tersan Shipyard was commissioned for the ships’ construction. The zero-emission ferries are anticipated to operate between Lavik and Oppedal in Norway from September 1, 2026.

The very next month, Norway-headquartered HAV Design was contracted to design and develop the ferries for Fjord1. As explained, the installation of automation functions and autonomous systems, including autocrossing and autodocking, is planned to be wrapped up in 2027, while autonomous navigation will be implemented in 2028.

At the beginning of December 2024, it was revealed that Fjord1 had chosen HAV Group’s energy design and smart control systems business, Norwegian Electric Systems (NES), to deliver two onshore charging stations for the units.