AtoB@C Shipping and Outokumpu partnership targets sea shipments emissions reduction

As part of an expanded agreement with sustainable stainless-steel provider Outokumpu, AtoB@C Shipping will deploy its new energy-efficient hybrid vessels to handle an increased share of the import and export shipments from Outokumpu’s Tornio steel mill in Northern Finland.

The companies are targeting a significant reduction of carbon emissions from Outokumpu’s sea transports, which aligns with both companies’ ambitious emission reduction targets for 2030. According to the companies, the new plug-in hybrid Green Coaster vessels are equipped with the latest technology and, together with improved efficiency in Outokumpu’s supply chain, they are estimated to reduce voyage emissions by 40% per transported cargo ton compared to the present vessel generation.

In addition, the companies plan to implement virtual arrival as a standard operational method whenever possible. Virtual arrival enables ships to adjust their speed according to the availability of berths at the destination port without losing their place in the port line-up, thus reducing fuel consumption and emissions. On average, virtual arrival has reduced voyage emissions in AtoB@C Shipping’s traffic by 10% in the voyages it has been applied for, the company says.

Frida Rowland, commercial director of AtoB@C Shipping, said, “We are delighted to continue our cooperation with Outokumpu and develop more sustainable shipping practices together. Our new Green Coasters demonstrate our commitment to reducing emissions at sea and meeting our client’s expectations for greener shipping solutions.”

Jyrki Sandelin, manager, transport procurement, Outokumpu, added, “We are very happy to find a partner who has ability to help us in reducing shortsea shipping emissions on our journey to achieve our ambitious overall science-based target to reduce direct and indirect emissions by 42% per ton of stainless steel by 2030 from 2016 baseline. This will also help us on one hand to follow tightening regulations from EU and IMO and on the other hand, keep our costs in control.”

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