Newcomer Skarv Shipping Solutions aims to build and operate a fleet of multi-fuel, zero-emission general cargo ships to help renew the ageing Norwegian shortsea fleet.

Skarv is a joint venture of two Bergen-based companies — general cargo and project specialist shipowner Peak Group and Grieg Edge, which is the new technologies subsidiary of bulker owner Grieg Maritime Group.

“We aim to be able to start the development and construction of up to four bulk carriers for transport in northern Europe before long,” said Skarv chief executive Jan Oivind Svardal, a Grieg veteran.