An EU-funded project will test the use of liquid hydrogen on the Oslo-Rotterdam shipping route by integrating hydrogen-powered vessels with bunkering infrastructure.
IMAGE: Concept of Samskip’s hydrogen-capable shortsea containership. Samskip
Dutch logistics company Samskip has ordered two liquid hydrogen-powered container vessels.
The vessels are currently under construction and are scheduled to enter service on the Rotterdam-Oslo short-sea freight corridor by 2027. Norwegian company LH2 Shipping is developing onboard liquid hydrogen propulsion systems for the vessels.
As part of the project, LH2 Shipping will also design, build and operate quayside bunkering infrastructure to supply the vessels, supporting plans to establish a green shipping corridor between the two ports.
The project aims to generate operational experience with liquid hydrogen in short-sea shipping while supporting the commercial rollout of zero-emission freight transport.
The project will “connect vessel technology, hydrogen supply and port infrastructure in a real operating environment” to promote broader adoption of hydrogen-powered shipping across Europe, said Jeroen Hollebrands, head of newbuilding and projects at Samskip.
Meanwhile, Norwegian Hydrogen will supply green hydrogen for the vessels from its 3,500 mt/year green hydrogen production facility in Rjukan. The plant will also include liquefaction, storage and bunkering infrastructure, with production expected to begin in 2028.
By Konica Bhatt
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