Skarv Shipping Solutions, a joint venture by Peak Group and Grieg Edge, has placed an order for up to eight 7,000 dwt, low-carbon multipurpose (MPP) vessels. The shipbuilding contract was signed with Huanghai Shipbuilding for four vessels initially with an option for another two plus two vessels.

The first MPP vessel will be delivered in the third quarter of 2025, with the others in four-month intervals. The vessels have been designed by LMG Marin, with contribution from Grieg Shipbrokers.

“These ships are far more climate-friendly than what we see in the shortsea market in Europe today, with a very low fuel consumption. They are not what we imagine is the final climate solution for shipping, but they are a giant step in the right direction,” says the CEO of Skarv, Jan Øivind Svardal.

The design includes an optimised engine ready for ammonia or methanol, batteries, a shore-power system, peak shaving with a dynamic propeller drive system, and a high-voltage switchboard prepared for future green power production like fuel cell technologies and increased battery capacity.

MPP with a focus on deck space and flexibility

On the cargo handling side, the ships will have open-top functionality enabling the movement of high vertical cargo, a wide deck beam for extra cargo intake, heavy-duty hatches, and tweendecks. The ships also have the accommodation in front to ensure visibility, increased deck space and protection of cargo.

“For our customers, this means you will be able to transport your cargo with a notably lower emission of greenhouse gasses and still show a remarkable efficiency in cargo handling and cost,” says Chair of Skarv and CEO of Peak Group, Jan-Petter Slethaug.

These MPP vessels are perfect for transporting mid-size modules and wind turbine components, which makes them a huge asset to the renewable energy industry in Europe. They are designed with a strong emphasis on deck space, strength, and stability, making them suitable for shortsea project cargo transport of almost any kind. Skarv has not yet assigned these vessels to any customer, but they will be available on the market.

“There is considerable demand for reduced carbon emissions related to industry projects in Europe, and these ships will be ideal for many of these. The ships’ flexible design enables a potential transition to lower emission fuels upon delivery, provided that the market and infrastructure permit, even though they are not fully capable of zero emissions at present,” Nicolai Grieg, Managing Director of Grieg Edge, says.