"This is the first ime we've concluded a cooperation agreement of this kind with an environmental organisation," says group chief executive Ingar Skaug in WW.

“A close collaboration with the environmental movement gives us an assurance that we’re focusing on strategic improvement measures in this area.”

The three-year agreement between WW and Bellona commits the two sides to discussing environmental challenges and areas for improvement, and to developing joint proposals for innovative solutions.

“Cooperating with big companies which want to be industry leaders in solving environmental challenges is important for us,” says Bellona leader Fredric Hauge.

“WW is one of Norway’s best known international businesses, with a good reputation as a long-term and serious shipping player. We’re proud that it’s chosen us as its environmental partner.”

The two sides have identified a number of specific projects, including a reduction in the sulphur content of bunkers. WW’s subsidiaries consume some two million tonnes of this fuel every year, and the group aims to use low-sulphur grades to reduce emissions.

“Access to such bunkers is limited, prices are high and the quality is very variable,” says Skaug. “Through our cooperation with Bellona, we want to focus attention on and be a trendsetter in this area of the maritime sector.

“Together with the environmental foundation, we aim to draw up a long-term plan for greatly reducing emissions from tomorrow’s vessels.”

WW and Bellona have a mutual aim of challenging and cooperating with government authorities and other industry players.

“The WW group has a unique database, many years of experience and great expertise,” notes Hauge. “These will be useful for us when we work jointly for more environmentally-appropriate frame conditions and tools in a sector which is very important for international trade and industry.”