The SeaShuttle project, an innovative venture aiming to develop two hydrogen-powered, remotely controlled, and autonomous-ready containerships by 2025, has successfully secured NOK150 million (approximately €15M) in funding from ENOVA, a Norwegian state enterprise dedicated to promoting environmentally friendly energy. This initiative is spearheaded by Samskip, a leader in multimodal transport and logistics, in partnership with marine robotics expert, Ocean Infinity.
Designed to operate emissions-free between Oslo Fjord and Rotterdam, the SeaShuttle ships will be equipped with a 3.2MW hydrogen fuel cell system. ENOVA, operating under Norway’s Ministry of Climate and Environment, supports the transition to greener energy consumption and production, endorsing sustainable energy technologies.
Unveiled at Nor-Shipping 2022 in Oslo, the collaboration between Samskip and Ocean Infinity focuses on zero-emission maritime logistics. Are Gråthen, CEO of Samskip Norway, expressed pride in leading the SeaShuttle initiative, highlighting its alignment with the company’s commitment to green logistics. The ENOVA funding marks a significant step towards realizing emissions-free container shipping and advancing autonomous and remote-operated shipping technologies.
Christoffer Jorgenvag, CCO of Ocean Infinity, emphasized the role of innovative technologies in establishing green corridors and transforming maritime operations towards sustainability. He thanked ENOVA for endorsing their vision, allowing the project to progress swiftly.
The financial backing enables the contracting of two new 500TEU ships with hydrogen fuel-based propulsion, supported by diesel-electric systems as a backup. The project champions the belief in the future affordability and availability of green hydrogen in Norway, aiming to make zero-emission shortsea shipping competitive with existing methods. Kari-Pekka Laaksonen, Group CEO of Samskip, reiterated the company’s dedication to sustainability, viewing the SeaShuttle project as a key milestone in achieving zero-emission logistics.
