Norway’s GC Rieber Shipping has revealed plans to develop a fully electric, battery-powered dry bulk vessel.

The project is a collaboration with freight partners GC Rieber Minerals and Franzefoss Minerals, and is tailored for shortsea operations along the Norwegian coast.

The initiative is backed by a $9.5m grant from Enova, Norway’s government-owned agency dedicated to advancing clean energy technology.

Through its subsidiary Polar Energy Shipco, GC Rieber secured the funding to support the construction of the vessel, which will feature battery packs exceeding 20 MWh and rotor sails to further improve energy efficiency.

“This support from Enova enables us to accelerate the transition to zero-emission shipping,” said Einar Ytredal, CEO at GC Rieber Shipping, adding: “Together with GC Rieber Minerals and Franzefoss Minerals, we are proud to lead the way in developing cleaner, more efficient maritime transport solutions.”

The vessel will be operated by K. Sætre & Sønner, a company with extensive experience transporting bulk and general cargo across the North Sea.

In addition to the vessel, GC Rieber Minerals will receive support to develop a shore-based charging facility at Laksevågneset.