EUROPE: Hydrogen and ammonia bulk carrier projects receive

Norway’s Enova has announced a significant investment of approximately $49 million (NOK 490.6 million) to support two innovative projects focused on constructing bulk carriers powered by liquid hydrogen and ammonia. The funding aims to accelerate the development of emission-free shipping solutions, with the first vessels expected to enter service by early 2029.

LH2 Shipping’s Hydrogen-Powered Bulk Carriers

Bergen-based LH2 Shipping has secured NOK 237.6 million ($23.7 million) for the construction of two 5,000 DWT bulk carriers that will utilize liquid hydrogen as fuel. These 96-meter-long vessels will incorporate hybrid systems featuring fuel cells and batteries, allowing them to operate with zero emissions year-round. According to LH2 Shipping, the vessels will have a storage capacity of 11 tonnes of liquid hydrogen and a power output of 2 MW from proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, complemented by a 1 MWt battery pack.

Designed by the Norwegian naval architecture firm LMG Marin, the ships are expected to achieve 30% lower energy requirements compared to conventional vessels in the same category. Additionally, the inclusion of a wind propulsion system is projected to further decrease energy consumption by around 10% annually. The vessels will primarily operate on short-sea shipping routes connecting Norway, Sweden, and the European mainland, with refueling likely to occur in the Oslo Fjord area. With funding secured, LH2 Shipping plans to have these vessels operational by the first quarter of 2029, aligning with the timeline for fuel production.

Ivan Oestvik, CEO and owner of LH2 Shipping, expressed optimism about the financial backing, stating it would facilitate the rapid development of fully emission-free vessels. He emphasized the importance of establishing a reliable and future-proof operational model while promoting the creation of an efficient liquid hydrogen supply chain along the coast.

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Amon Maritime’s Ammonia-Fueled Carriers

In a separate initiative, Amon Maritime has received NOK 253 million ($25.3 million) from Enova to support the construction of two large bulk carriers powered by ammonia. The first vessel, named Amon Bulk 1, will be a Capesize bulk carrier with a capacity of around 180,000 DWT, designed for long-haul transport of heavy bulk commodities. The second vessel, Amon Bulk 2, will be a Kamsarmax bulk carrier with a capacity of approximately 80,000-85,000 DWT.

André Risholm, CEO of Amon Maritime, highlighted the significance of this project in the context of decarbonizing bulk trades in deep-sea shipping. He noted that the Capesize and Kamsarmax segments are particularly well-suited for ammonia adoption due to their high fuel consumption and established routes serving industrial clients with strong climate commitments. This strategic alignment is expected to yield both substantial environmental benefits and solid commercial viability.

Amon Maritime is now entering the next phase of evaluating shipyards and the tendering process, with plans to deliver the vessels by 2029. This investment marks a crucial step toward a more sustainable future for maritime transport in Norway.