Swedish-Finnish action to cut carbon footprint
The Swedish-Finnish Bothnia Bulk project, which combines the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as fuel for two bulk carriers together with other technologies on board and on land, has achieved a significant 50% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to conventional ships, on a sea lane in the North Baltic.
Furthermore, emissions of sulphur and nitrogen oxides and particulate matter are reduced. The objective of this project, partially financed by the EU, was to modernise the fleet that transports material for the steel industry between the ports of Luleå, Oxelösund and Raahe in the Baltic.
As part of this project, the Finnish shipping company ESL Shipping received, in 2018, two handysize bulk carriers – "Viikki" and "Haaga" - of 160 m in length and 26,000 dwt, powered by LNG that also have power supply from land in port. The fuel supply is carried out by means of an LNG tanker. Ships will also be able to run on carbon-free biogas where this is possible. (cd)