Aiming for zero emissions, coastal cargo ships will use hydrogen fuel cells and batteries

Two hydrogen-electric hybrid-powered 3,750-gt cargo ships on order in Turkey for Norway’s Møre Sjø will be the first vessels of their type to be built to BV class.

Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) has entered into a contract with Geilibou Shipyard and eCap Marine for the classification of the zero-emissions cargo vessels. Backed by Enova funding, the project could potentially include four vessels if options are exercised.

Møre Sjø managing director Torstein Holsvik said the ships are integral to becoming “Norway’s leading zero-emissions shipping company for coastal freight – a profitable, scalable and disruptive company with a clear green profile as its competitive advantage.”

Designed by Naval Dynamics with the integration of a high-pressure hydrogen power system, a battery pack and electric propulsion, the Norway-flagged vessels will be designed to transport heavy and dry bulk cargoes, with an overall length of 89 m, beam of 14 m and maximum draught of 6 m.

When delivered, the hydrogen fuel cell-powered vessels will be designed to use compressed hydrogen, meeting the requirements for BV’s HYDROGENFUEL-PREPARED notation. eCap Marine is designing the hydrogen power system and will also be responsible for its installation, commissioning, and the execution of the alternative design approval process. Once completed, the vessels will be eligible to be certified with BV’s HYDROGENFUEL notation.

In addition to their alternative fuel capability, the vessels are intended to be classed with a comprehensive scope including Cyber Resilient, Unrestricted Navigation, AUT-UMS, In-Water Survey and OPS (On-shore power system) notations.

BV executive vice president, industrials and commodities, Matthieu de Tugny, said these vessels “illustrate how forward-looking owners and builders can lead the way towards a lower-emissions future.”