Enova funds hydrogen-powered dry bulk newbuild programme

Enova is a state-owned enterprise owned by the Norwegian Ministry of Climate and Energy and helps fund new energy technology. The grant was awarded under Enova’s ’hydrogen in vessels’ programme, which aims to contribute to market change by supporting companies that will use hydrogen as fuel in vessels and support the development of zero-emissions vessel technologies. 

Maris Fiducia Norway, the Norwegian operation of Dutch shipowner Maris Fiducia, will manage and operate the five vessels. HAV Hydrogen and Norwegian Hydrogen will act as subcontractors.

All five bulk carriers will go on hire through a time charter agreement with German logistics operator Schulte & Bruns, establishing a commercial operation for vessels operating on hydrogen fuel and to attempt to test the feasibility of hydrogen technologies for shipping.

Dutch ship designer Ankerbeer designed the 6,000-dwt vessels which feature a hull design optimised for efficiency and low fuel consumption. The power plant shall consist of a dual-fuel hydrogen ICE combined with fuel cells for auxiliary power.

“We are thrilled Enova recognised the strong case for the project with this award which is an important milestone for our team in Norway. A little over one year ago we were inspired by a conversation with Jørgen Kopperstad from Norwegian Hydrogen about fuel availability and technical competence in the Norwegian maritime cluster. It has been quite a journey since then, but we are only just starting,” said Maris Fiducia Group chief executive Markku Vedder.

H2 system on board

In addition to the dual-fuel internal combustion engine, the five vessels will be equipped with a zero emission pod – zepod – a module containing a complete hydrogen energy system for ships, delivered by Norway-based HAV Hydrogen.

Each zepod is intended to be delivered with a total capacity of 400 kW, which the company claims is enough to run all auxiliary systems on board the bulk carriers. HAV Hydrogen is currently developing its first full-scale zepod, which will be ready for testing next year and adds the zepods can be upgraded to 1 MW capacity at a later stage. 

Delivery is scheduled to commence from the end of 2025. 

HAV managing director Kristian Osnes called it another step towards a commercial breakthrough for the company’s hydrogen-based energy systems. 

“Everyone knows the shipping industry needs to lower emissions, but it relies on companies such as Maris Fiducia Norway to pave the way. We are delighted to be part of this partnership and to help develop the future for shortsea cargo together with Maris Fiducia and Norwegian Hydrogen,” he said. 

Hydrogen producer and distributor Norwegian Hydrogen will provide security of supply for Maris Fiducia and Schulte & Bruns by providing the green hydrogen fuel for the five dry bulk carriers.