On April 1, Elkem, together with North Sea Container Line AS (NCL), and MPC Container Ships ASA (MPCC), initiated the operation of NCL VESTLAND in Norway. This project will accelerate the decarbonization of logistics, providing?a more efficient and sustainable transportation solution for exporting goods and critical metals from Norway.

The ship is designed for dual-fuel use, including conventional fuel and bio-methanol, and features 250 kWh battery packs, paving the way for net-zero carbon emissions. Its design enables a 63 percent reduction in energy consumption per TEU per nautical mile compared to the existing fleet, helping to foster green value chains across European markets.

Now operational, the vessel stops at key industrial ports along the route, significantly enhancing Elkem's ability to supply silicone products to clients in automotive manufacturing, construction, and new energy.

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 project received 13.7 million Norwegian kroner?in funding from Enova, the state enterprise owned by the Norwegian Ministry of Climate and Environment, and 60 million Norwegian kroner from the NOx fund, the Norwegian business sector's fund to reduce emissions.