World’s first ships made with SSAB Zero® steel
When the ships set sail for the first time, it is easy to focus only on what is visible above the waterline. Less visible are the decisions that made the journey possible, from engineering and technology to material selection. As more companies look for ways to reduce their emissions, interest in how SSAB Zero® steel can support that transition continues to grow.
Where Tomorrow’s Ships Take Shape
Long before a ship is put into service, decisions are made that influence both its performance and climate footprint. The journey begins at the drawing board, continues in the workshops, and takes shape through the strategic choices made along the way. The maritime industry is undergoing a major transformation. As more organizations work to reduce emissions, collaboration across the entire value chain is becoming increasingly important. This is where Salthammer Båtbyggeri, AQS, Tomra Engineering AS, and SSAB come together.
Salthammer Båtbyggeri in Norway is building the world’s first electric ships using SSAB Zero® steel. The ships will primarily serve offshore fish farms, operating in harsh environments that place high demands on both materials and reliability.
"Many customers have realized that they can make a significant difference for the environment by choosing SSAB Zero® steel,"
Built for Demanding Conditions
For these ships to fulfil their mission, more is required than the right material. The design must be able to withstand the harsh realities of operating at sea. Tomra Engineering developed the ship design specifically for the challenging conditions found along the Norwegian coastline.
The ships must endure severe weather, heavy loads, and long service lives. Strong winds, high waves, and salt-laden sea air place additional demands on both the design and the materials used. This makes collaboration between designers, shipbuilders, operators, and material suppliers essential. Every decision throughout the process matters.
Reducing the Climate Footprint
For AQS, the investment is about more than electrification. The goal is to reduce the climate footprint across multiple parts of the ships’ value chain, from operations and energy use to material selection and design.
"Together with Salthammer, we have developed ships that meet our customers’ requirements for efficiency, quality, and sustainability while also helping to reduce the climate footprint,"
Step by Step Toward Lower Emissions
Every ship consists of thousands of components and countless material choices. For the AQS ships, many of these decisions have been made with the goal of reducing climate impact from the very beginning. The project demonstrates how the transition can take shape in practice through collaboration and choices that continue to make a difference long after the ships have entered service.
About SSAB Zero
SSAB Zero® is the first commercial steel of its kind. Made using recycled steel and fossil-free electricity and biogas, it delivers virtually zero fossil carbon emissions without compromising on performance or quality.
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