Multimodal transport and logistics group Samskip and marine robotics specialist Ocean Infinity have secured €15 million (US$15.8 million) in funding from Norwegian state enterprise ENOVA for their project to build two hydrogen-powered, remotely controlled and autonomous-ready container ships for delivery by 2025, namely SeaShuttle.
The project envisages two SeaShuttle ships operating emissions-free between Oslo Fjord, Norway and Rotterdam, the Netherlands with each powered by a 3.2MW hydrogen fuel cell.
ENOVA, which operates under Norway’s Ministry of Climate and Environment, promotes a shift towards more environmentally friendly energy consumption and production, as well as technologies based on sustainable energy, according to a statement.
Originally announced at Nor-Shipping 2022, Oslo, in April, the Samskip-Ocean Infinity partnership covers both the construction and operation of the vessels, in a collaboration seeking to push forward towards zero-emission, efficient and safe, multimodal logistics.
“Securing this funding provides a platform to make emissions-free container shipping a reality. Together, Samskip and Ocean Infinity will also accelerate their plans to advance autonomous ship technologies, and remote operation of ships and cargo handling equipment. These ships are the first part of an exciting collaboration with Ocean Infinity,” commented Are Gråthen, CEO of Samskip Norway.
Christoffer Jorgenvag, chief commercial officer of Ocean Infinity, commented, “The emphasis today is on the SeaShuttle vessels, which are just part of Ocean Infinity’s overall strategy of unlocking innovation to deliver truly sustainable maritime operations. We would like to thank Enova for their support for our vision which represents a firm endorsement of our ground-breaking approach and allows us to proceed at full speed in bringing this project to life.”
The funding means the partners can move forward to contract two new 500 TEU ships installed with a main propulsion solution that can be adapted to run on hydrogen fuel, while diesel electric propulsion plant will be on board as back up.
