Pitch, a byproduct from the distillation of coal tar, is used as a binder in carbon anodes for aluminium smelting. Since the 1980s, the ships "Leiro" and "Lindo" have ensured reliable shipments of the critical material to Hydro’s anode production facilities in Norway, but now both are being replaced with the newly refitted "Wilson Eyde."

"Most logistics operations today are powered by fossil energy sources. We are working to reduce the footprint of this link in the value chain by transferring tonnage from road to sea, developing greener shipping routes and using RoRo ships, new technology, and digital tools to improve efficiency. The ambition is to cut emissions from the logistics chain by 30 percent by 2030," says Gerd Aalborg Aas, Vice President for Logistics in Hydro Aluminium Metal.

"Wilson Eyde" is equipped with both wind assisted propulsion and an AI based system for fuel optimization. Together with increased load capacity, these technological innovations will result in a highly efficient transport solution that both reduces emissions and saves costs. The ship will operate on a regular route between suppliers in Europe and Hydro’s production facilities in Norway. It had its first call at Hydro in Årdal on April 15.

"Meeting tomorrow's environmental requirements is crucial to our success. We are therefore committed and grateful to develop innovative solutions that not only reduce our environmental footprint, but also strengthen our collaboration with partners such as Hydro," says Jostein Bjørgo, Chief Commercial Officer at Wilson.

Anchored in history, on a steady course for the future

The ship’s name is a tribute to industrialist Sam Eyde, the founding father of Hydro, who played a central role in the establishment of Norway’s hydropower-based industry in the early 1900s and the nationwide rise in prosperity that followed in its wake.

To this day, Hydro's purpose is to create viable communities by refining natural resources, but with a focus on accelerating the green transition and contributing to a circular economy. Hydro is on track to achieve a 30 percent reduction in emissions throughout the value chain by 2030 compared to a 2018 baseline and remains committed to achieving net-zero emissions in aluminium production by 2050.

"This year marks 120 years since Sam Eyde established Hydro. The foundation for the industrialization of Norway was laid at a time when steamers were rapidly replacing the merchant fleet’s sailing ships, but now the story has come full circle. Low-tech has become high-tech and we are literally setting sail for the next 120 years," says Aas.