Ahti Pool – The Van Weelde Shipping Group (VWSG), which operates a fleet of dry cargo vessels managed by Orient Shipping Rotterdam (OSR), has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to join Ahti Pool. This strategic move highlights the growing appeal of Ahti Pool’s innovative solution for compliance with the FuelEU Maritime (FEM) regulations, positioning VWSG for enhanced operational efficiency.
Ahti Pool is a leading compliance solution designed to streamline adherence to the FEM regulation. By joining, VWSG will share the compliance responsibilities with other pool members, including over-compliant vessels. This pooling mechanism not only reduces administrative burdens but also allows members to benefit from the pool’s economies of scale, making the compliance process more cost-effective.
Ahti Pool’s Neutral Approach to Compliance
Risto Kariranta, CEO of Ahti Climate, welcomed OSR to Ahti Pool with optimism, stating, “We’re excited to welcome OSR to Ahti Pool. Our fully neutral solution isn’t tied to any compliance options, and this flexibility enables us to transparently reduce our clients’ FEM compliance costs for each of their ships’ unique trading patterns. We’re confident that Van Weelde will benefit greatly from joining Ahti Pool.”
The neutrality of Ahti Pool is a significant advantage in the ever-evolving maritime regulatory landscape. By not being bound to specific compliance options, Ahti Pool enables fleet operators to adapt flexibly and cost-efficiently, according to their vessels’ operational requirements.
Strategic Move for Van Weelde Shipping Group
Raoul de Troije, Technical Director of Van Weelde Shipping Group, explained the rationale behind this strategic decision: “Becoming a member of Ahti Pool is a strategic decision for Van Weelde and OSR. But after considering the available FuelEU Maritime compliance options, it was an easy choice to make because Ahti Pool will help us to maintain our competitive edge and doesn’t require much additional admin.”
He further highlighted the importance of continuously evaluating sustainability and fleet efficiency, noting, “We’re looking forward to working with Ahti and benefiting from its expertise in this area. At the same time, we realise that we actively need to evaluate all our options where it concerns sustainability and efficiency of our fleet and that just being compliant will not be enough.”
This partnership is expected to strengthen Van Weelde’s operational framework while keeping their fleet competitive amidst the increasing demand for sustainable maritime practices.
About Van Weelde Shipping Group (VWSG)
Established in 1964 and based in Rotterdam, the Van Weelde Shipping Group (VWSG) is an integrated shipping company specializing in Handysize dry bulk shipping. VWSG is involved in shipowning, shipbroking, commercial management, and ship management, including crewing and technical management. The company operates under two main brands: OSR Rotterdam B.V. and Van Weelde Chartering B.V.
About OSR Rotterdam B.V.
Founded in 1982 under the Van Weelde Shipping Group umbrella, OSR Rotterdam B.V. operates as an independent company in the dry bulk shipping market. OSR provides reliable and cost-efficient commercial shipping solutions on a global scale, contributing to the success of the Van Weelde Shipping Group’s broader business strategy.
This LOI represents another milestone for Ahti Pool as it continues to attract major players in the maritime industry, offering cost-effective, compliant, and sustainable solutions to shipowners and operators worldwide.
About Ahti Climate
Since its inception in 2022, Ahti Climate has been on a mission to make the green transition in shipping affordable. The company has developed tools that reduce the cost of emissions compliance, contributing to the elimination of tens of thousands of carbon emissions. Led by Risto-Juhani Kariranta, a Master Mariner with a master’s degree in Naval Architecture, Ahti Climate continues to expand its influence in the shipping sector. Kariranta’s previous roles at NAPA and Neste have equipped him with unique expertise in ship design, vessel operation, and Alternative fuels.
Source Ahti Climate