The reductions have been realized through extensive energy efficiency and decarbonization upgrades on Trans Sol and Trans Hav, two large cargo vessels operated by Sea‑Cargo and used by Hydro to transport low‑carbon aluminium products from Norway to customers in Europe.
“Most logistics operations today are powered by fossil energy sources and reducing emissions from this part of the value chain is a key priority for Hydro. We are working systematically to lower the footprint of our logistics chain by transferring volumes from road to sea, developing greener shipping routes, using new technology and digital tools to improve efficiency,” says Gerd Aalborg Aas, Vice President for Logistics and Metal Management in Hydro.
The initiative contributes towards Hydro’s ambition of reducing emissions from logistics.
“Projects like Trans Sol and Trans Hav show it is possible to deliver significant emissions reductions in shipping already today, and they make an important contribution towards our ambition of cutting emissions from logistics by 30 percent by 2030,” says Aalborg Aas.
Efficient and reliable logistics with lower environmental impact
Ensuring reliable deliveries to customers is a critical part of Hydro’s operations. Through close collaboration with logistics partners, Hydro is continuously working to reduce the environmental footprint of how aluminium products are transported, without compromising safety, quality or delivery precision.
The upgrades on Trans Sol and Trans Hav combine wind assisted propulsion, onboard renewable energy, energy storage, optimized propulsion, smart power management, and shore power, significantly reducing fuel use and emissions while maintaining operational reliability.
Logistics as part of Hydro’s net‑zero roadmap
Shipping accounts for around three percent of global greenhouse gas emissions and is widely recognized as one of the most challenging sectors to decarbonize.
Hydro has set ambitious climate targets across its entire value chain and is committed to achieving net‑zero emissions in aluminium production by 2050. By 2030, Hydro aims to reduce its own emissions by 30 percent compared to a 2018 baseline.
One of the three main pathways in Hydro’s decarbonization roadmap is to phase out fossil energy throughout the value chain, including logistics and transportation. Hydro’s logistics organization therefore targets a 30 percent reduction in logistics related emissions by 2030.
This milestone is one of several ongoing initiatives in Hydro’s logistics operations, where a range of technology upgrades and smarter shipping solutions are helping to reduce emissions across multiple routes, including Hydro and Wilson’s innovative, energy efficient transport solutions launched last year, as well as technology upgrades on Sea-Cargo’s SC Connector in 2021.
The emissions reductions achieved on the Trans Sol and Trans Hav route represent around 20 percent of this total logistics reduction ambition for the business area Hydro Aluminium Metal, underlining the importance of targeted measures on high volume shipping routes.
A key route for low‑carbon aluminium deliveries to Europe
Trans Sol and Trans Hav are two of four vessels that regularly carry Hydro’s products from the company’s five primary aluminium plants in western Norway, Sunndal, Høyanger, Karmøy, Husnes and Årdal, to European markets.
By reducing emissions on core transport routes, Hydro lowers the carbon footprint of its aluminium deliveries and supports customers in reducing emissions across their own value chains.
During One Ocean Week in Bergen, Trans Sol will be docked at Festningskaien, providing a tangible example of how shipping can reduce emissions today through practical solutions and close collaboration between industry partners.
Decarbonization upgrades on Trans Sol and Trans Hav
Rotor sails: Tall, rotating sails use wind to generate additional thrust, reducing the need for engine power and fuel consumption.
Solar panels (approximately 1,600 m²): Integrated solar panels generate electricity onboard, lowering the load on engines and auxiliary generators.
Battery storage and frequency converters: Batteries store energy and stabilize power use, improving efficiency and reducing fuel use.
Optimized propellers: New propeller designs improve efficiency at normal operating speeds, requiring less energy to move the vessel.
Advanced power management systems: Smart control systems optimize how energy is produced and used onboard, reducing unnecessary fuel consumption.
Upgraded machinery, bridge and control systems: Modern systems improve precision, monitoring and operational efficiency.
Shore power connectivity: Allows the vessels to plug into electricity from land while in port, eliminating emissions during port stays where shore power is available.
NOx scrubber technology: Reduces nitrogen oxide emissions from exhaust gases, improving local air quality and environmental performance.
Published: April 16, 2026
