Oslo Port Authority has welcomed the launch of a new weekly container service linking Rotterdam, Oslo, Brevik and Bremerhaven, which is set to transition to zero-emission operations once an ammonia-powered vessel enters service later in 2026.

The route is being operated by North Sea Container Line (NCL) and will begin calling at Oslo on 12 February. During the initial phase, the service will be run by MV Tunadal, a conventional container ship built in 2012 with a carrying capacity of 1,050 TEU.

The company plans to replace the interim vessel with Yara Eyde, an ammonia-powered container ship expected to be among the first of its kind globally. Once in operation, the route will be positioned as one of the world’s first zero-emission freight corridors for container transport.

Martin Torkelsen, chief commercial manager at NCL, remarked: "We have ambitious plans to develop one of the world's first true zero-emission corridors for container transport, in cooperation with Yara International. This will be a green corridor between Europe and the Oslofjord."

The route is operated through joint venture company NCL Oslofjord AS, with Yara International as the main cargo owner and NCL as operator. Yara Eyde has received NOK 40m in support from Enova, Norway's state enterprise for the promotion of renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Ammonia contains no carbon and therefore emits no CO₂ when used as fuel. Yara Eyde will be among the first ammonia-powered container vessels globally.

The vessel departs Rotterdam on Tuesdays and returns the following Tuesday. NCL expects the route to shift cargo from road to sea, partly due to changes in European production and trade patterns.

"The zero-emission route will be a cost-effective alternative. Demand for fixed, combined transport solutions is increasing. We see growth potential for both imports and exports," Torkelsen said.

NCL expects strong import volumes from distribution centres, grocery suppliers and brand owners in the Oslofjord region, while exports will initially be led by Yara, with capacity open to other industrial customers.

Torkelsen noted that predictability throughout the logistics chain would be essential for the service to compete with road transport: "We compete with a very efficient road transport sector. For sea transport to strengthen its position, terminals must deliver high productivity. Time-wasters need to be eliminated at all stages."

Port Director Ingvar M. Mathisen said: "I am convinced that this new route will shift more cargo to sea. With Yara Eyde on the route, Oslo gains a zero-emission corridor to Europe. I commend the company for investing in green energy."

The container terminal operator in Oslo, Yilport Oslo, plans to make container handling at the terminal emission-free during 2026.

Bjørn Engelsen, terminal manager at Yilport Oslo, commented: "Container handling at the terminal will become emission-free during the year. This creates a green flow of goods from the continent, via a zero-emission terminal, and onwards on land with zero-emission trucks."

North Sea Container Line operates shortsea and feeder container services across northern Europe, while Yara International ASA is a Norwegian industrial group specialising in nitrogen-based fertilisers and related chemical products.