eCap Marine has secured two contracts to supply hydrogen-based propulsion systems for zero-emission vessels. The Hamburg-based engineering company will deliver hydrogen power solutions for bulk carriers for Møre Sjø and short-sea container vessels for Samskip.
Samskip SeaShuttles
Construction of two short-sea container vessels for logistics provider Samskip has started at the Cochin Shipyard in India. According to the companies, the Samskip SeaShuttles are set to be the first shortsea container vessels in the world to use green hydrogen as fuel, and eCap Marine has been awarded the order to supply hydrogen-powered fuel cells for both vessels.
The 3.2 MW PEM fuel cells will be installed with marine-approved power electronics, controller and safety systems, along with all interfaces for integration into a containerized system on the aft deck of the SeaShuttles. The vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2027.
Møre Sjø H2 solution for bulk carriers
The Norwegian shipping company Møre Sjø also signed an order for the construction of two emission-free, hydrogen-powered bulk carriers at Gelibolu Shipyard in Turkey. The new-builds, which will measure 85m in length and have a deadweight of 4,000 tons, will primarily operate in Norwegian coastal waters and are scheduled for delivery in 2027. With this order, Møre Sjø says it is reaffirming its commitment to hydrogen as an alternative, environmentally friendly fuel for emission-free operation in the sensitive environment of the Norwegian fjords.
eCap Marine was selected to provide onboard hydrogen solutions, equipping the vessels with 1.7 MW PEM hydrogen fuel cells to transport their dry bulk goods emission-free. The compressed hydrogen tank system, with a capacity of more than 2 tons per vessel, will be permanently installed on the aft section, with fuel cells and other electrical components located in suitable spaces under deck. eCap Marine’s scope of supply also includes an onboard hydrogen bunkering station, marine-approved power electronics, the controller and safety system, and all interfaces to the ship’s power management system.
“These projects are a significant milestone for eCap Marine – and the maritime energy transition,” said Lars Ravens, managing director at eCap Marine. “Our team has worked with engineering enthusiasm to develop scalable hydrogen technology. Our integrated hydrogen systems are now at the core of two groundbreaking vessels. We thank both Møre Sjø and Samskip for entrusting us with these emission-free marine propulsion lighthouse projects.”
In related news, Viking and Fincantieri recently announced details of the Viking Libra, which they state will be the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship. The vessel is currently under construction in Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard and will be delivered in 2026. Read the full story here.