Hydro and Wilson Set Sail with AI and Wind-Powered Vessel to Decarbonize Aluminium Supply Chain

Hydro and Wilson Set Sail with AI and Wind-Powered Vessel to Decarbonize Aluminium Supply Chain

(IN BRIEF) Hydro and Wilson ASA have introduced the “Wilson Eyde,” a newly refitted wind-powered cargo vessel designed to transport pitch used in aluminium production to Hydro’s facilities in Norway. Replacing two older ships, the vessel is equipped with wind-assisted propulsion and AI-driven fuel optimization, supporting Hydro’s goal of cutting logistics emissions by 30% by 2030. The ship’s name pays homage to Hydro founder Sam Eyde, reflecting the company’s 120-year legacy and its commitment to net-zero aluminium production by 2050.

(PRESS RELEASE) OSLO, 15-Apr-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Hydro and Norwegian shipping company Wilson ASA have unveiled a major step forward in green logistics with the introduction of the “Wilson Eyde” – a wind-assisted cargo vessel that will transport pitch, a critical raw material for aluminium production, to Hydro’s facilities in Norway. This marks a significant update to Hydro’s logistics fleet, replacing the aging ships “Leiro” and “Lindo,” which had served this role since the 1980s.

Pitch, a byproduct of coal tar distillation, is used in producing carbon anodes for aluminium smelting. The new vessel is equipped with a modern wind-assisted propulsion system and an AI-powered fuel optimization platform, significantly boosting both environmental performance and cost-efficiency. It will operate on a regular route from European suppliers to Hydro’s Norwegian production plants, with its first port call at Hydro Årdal taking place on April 15.

“Most logistics operations today still rely on fossil fuels,” said Gerd Aalborg Aas, Vice President for Logistics at Hydro Aluminium Metal. “Our ambition is to cut emissions from our logistics operations by 30 percent by 2030. By shifting cargo from road to sea and adopting energy-efficient vessels like the Wilson Eyde, we’re making meaningful progress toward that goal.”

The vessel’s name honors Sam Eyde, the visionary industrialist and founder of Hydro, who spearheaded Norway’s hydropower revolution in the early 1900s. Today, Hydro remains committed to refining natural resources sustainably, accelerating the transition to a circular economy, and achieving net-zero emissions in aluminium production by 2050.

“Meeting tomorrow’s environmental requirements is crucial to our success,” said Jostein Bjørgo, Chief Commercial Officer at Wilson. “Wilson Eyde is the result of close collaboration with Hydro, combining innovation, environmental responsibility, and efficient logistics.”

With wind propulsion and AI-backed route optimization, the Wilson Eyde embodies a future-forward approach that merges heritage with cutting-edge sustainability practices. As Hydro celebrates its 120th anniversary, the launch of this vessel is both a tribute to its pioneering legacy and a symbol of its journey toward the next generation of sustainable industry.

Media Contact:

Jens Christian Boysen
Communication Manager, Hydro Aluminium Metal
jens.christian.boysen@hydro.com
+47 94982099<

SOURCE: Hydro