AtoB@C, Metsä Group join forces to slash wood transport emissions

September 30, 2024, by Fatima Bahtić

AtoB@C Shipping, a Sweden-based subsidiary of Finnish shipping company ESL Shipping, has joined forces with compatriot forest industry group Metsä Group to reduce fossil-based carbon dioxide emissions from shipping in the wood supply chain.

By 2030, Metsä Group aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from its wood supply by 30 per cent from the 2022 level. In wood supply, the bulk of emissions derives from wood being transported by lorry, train and ship to the mills for refinement.

Now, the company has teamed up with the Finnish shipowner to achieve its emissions reduction target.

Hannu Alarautalahti, the Senior Vice President of Production at Metsä Group Wood Supply and Forest Services, stated that achieving Metsä Group’s emissions reduction target necessitates concrete plans and dedicated logistics partnerships.

He emphasized that these partnerships are crucial for systematically progressing towards the 2030 target. Alarautalahti also noted that the commitments made with their partners now cover over 90% of wood transports by sea.

On the other hand, Mikki Koskinen, the Chair of the Board of AtoB@C Shipping and Managing Director of ESL Shipping, remarked that cooperation is essential for reducing emissions. He expressed satisfaction that their customers are also dedicated to ambitious emissions reduction targets. Koskinen added that the new Green Coaster hybrid vessels will provide a solid foundation for achieving these targets along with other efficiency-improving measures.

To remind, AtoB@C Shipping is currently running a significant investment program that includes the introduction of twelve hybrid electric vessels to modernize the company’s fleet by 2026.

In addition to a modernized fleet, emissions reductions will come from improvements made to operational efficiency using the Virtual Arrival concept, for example, as well as from modern energy solutions in ports and the adoption of renewable bunker fuel.

Recently, the firm welcomed the newest addition to its fleet, Aquamar.

Joining Electramar, Stellamar and Ecomar, the vessel is the fourth eco-friendly ship handed over to AtoB@C Shipping within a single year, showcasing the company’s commitment to modernizing its operations and reducing its environmental impact.

Aquamar features hybrid propulsion and shore power connectivity, reflecting the latest advancements in maritime technology. With a deadweight tonnage of 5,350 and ice class certification, the vessel is built for efficient and sustainable operations.

The integration of battery technology enables emission-free and quiet port visits, reportedly reducing CO2 emissions by nearly 50% compared to the current generation of vessels, as stated by the shipping company.

AtoB@C Shipping has ordered twelve 5,350 dwt plug-in hybrid vessels from Chowgule & Company. One vessel will be delivered every quarter until the autumn of 2026.