Samskip opts for Norwegian Hydrogen to fuel new boxships
Fuel producer set to provide fuel from dedicated green liquid hydrogen plant from 2028
Icelandic shipowner Samskip has chosen Norwegian Hydrogen supply fuel for its two newbuildings.
The two vessels will be the first hydrogen-powered containerships when delivered from Cochin Shipyard, India later this year.
The 730-teu vessels are ear-marked to run between Norway and Rotterdam. They will run off liquid hydrogen-powered fuel cells and have marine batteries fitted.
A memorandum of understanding will see Norwegian Hydrogen supply hydrogen fuel from the future Rjukan plant, located in central southern Norway.
The fuel producer acquired the plant project from Aker Horizon a year ago.
It is expected to begin operations in 2028 with an annual capacity of 3,500 tonnes of liquid green hydrogen.
It is unclear if the two vessels will run on diesel or if Samskip has secured other green liquid hydrogen supplies as it waits for the Rjuken plant to come on line.
Norwegian Hydrogen has a number of ongoing hydrogen projects and has been successful in securing grants and funding to support their development.
This includes a €31.5m grant from the EU Innovation Fund for the Rjuken plant.
Samskip chief executive Olafur Orri Olafsson, said:
Our partnership with Norwegian Hydrogen marks an important step on our journey towards Net-Zero emissions by 2040
“Hydrogen is a critical enabler for deep decarbonisation in short-sea shipping, and Norwegian Hydrogen has demonstrated the capability and commitment needed to support our ambition.
“Together, we are not only preparing the energy supply for our SeaShuttle vessels, we are also helping accelerate the transition to sustainable logistics across Europe.”
Norwegian Hydrogen chief executive Jens Berge, said:
Right-sized and with all critical elements in place, the Rjukan LH2 project is ideally positioned for delivery of liquid green hydrogen to early adopters within maritime, industry, and other sectors, covering a large geographical area at a highly attractive price point.
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Samskip opts for Norwegian Hydrogen to fuel new boxships, source
