Charterers are ready to pay up for zero-emission projects in shortsea shipping as an ageing fleet dies off at an accelerating pace.

The Oslo chartering branch of HeidelbergCement has been in discussions with five Norwegian charterers that are planning long-term charter offers to back zero-emissions newbuilding projects similar to its own.

Together with domestic agricultural co-operative Felleskjopet Agri, HeidelbergCement is backing the construction of a zero-emissions, 5,000-dwt prototype bulker on long-term contract.