Arriva Shipping Orders New 8,000 dwt Battery Hybrid Cargo Vessel from Jiangsu SOHO
Norwegian shipping company Arriva Shipping has placed an order for a new 8,000 dwt battery hybrid dry cargo vessel from China-based Jiangsu SOHO Marine Heavy Industry. The vessel is scheduled for delivery in Q3 2026.
Expansion of Arriva Shipping’s Hybrid Fleet
The newly ordered ship will join its sister vessel, the 8,300 dwt Nor Viking, a 199.9-meter-long cargo carrier built by China’s Pacific Ocean Engineering and delivered in August 2022. Additionally, Arriva Shipping has another vessel under construction at Jiangsu SOHO, for which the steel-cutting ceremony was held in August 2024. This second vessel is expected to be delivered by the end of 2025.
Key Components from Norwegian and European Suppliers
The new hybrid vessel will incorporate essential project components from Norwegian and European partners, including its design and a 2 MW battery hybrid system. This advanced system will help reduce emissions and optimize energy consumption, ensuring compliance with strict environmental regulations.
Commitment to Sustainability and Fleet Modernization
Arriva Shipping CEO and Partner Sindre Matre emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainability, stating:
“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.”
Currently, Arriva Shipping owns and operates eight self-discharging dry cargo vessels, with capacities ranging from 2,000 to 8,000 deadweight tons. The two upcoming vessels will bring the company’s fleet total to ten.
The company’s eco-friendly fleet primarily serves Northern Europe, transporting materials such as:
- Concrete and asphalt aggregates
- Timber and wood chips
- Coal and coke
- Minerals and gypsum
- Salt and concrete elements
The Rise of Battery Hybrid Shipping Solutions
Battery hybrid vessels have emerged as a practical and immediate solution for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and fuel consumption while minimizing wear and tear. In recent years, the maritime industry has seen a surge in hybrid vessel adoption across various segments, including:
- Containerships
- Pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs)
- Ferries
Growing Industry Adoption: Recent Developments
- February 2024: The world saw its first shipbuilding order for four battery-powered autonomous double-ended ferries, commissioned by Norwegian ferry operator Fjord1 AS at Türkiye’s Tersan Shipyard. These zero-emission ferries are expected to operate between Lavik and Oppedal, Norway, starting September 1, 2026.
- March 2024: Norway-based HAV Design was contracted to develop the ferries for Fjord1. The installation of automation and autonomous systems, including autocrossing and autodocking, is set for completion by 2027, with autonomous navigation planned for 2028.
- December 2024: Fjord1 selected HAV Group’s Norwegian Electric Systems (NES) to supply two onshore charging stations for these ferries.
As the maritime industry accelerates its shift toward decarbonization, battery hybrid technologies are playing a key role in achieving environmental compliance and operational efficiency.
