Norway’s Møre Sjø orders hydrogen-powered bulkers
Norwegian Firm Orders Hydrogen-Powered Bulk Carriers
Norwegian shipping company Møre Sjø has made a significant move towards sustainable shipping by ordering two hydrogen-powered bulk carriers from Turkey’s Gelibolu Shipyard. These innovative vessels, each with a deadweight tonnage of 4,000, are expected to be delivered in 2027 and will utilize advanced hydrogen fuel cells and battery propulsion systems. This initiative marks a pivotal shift in the company’s operations, which currently rely on older bulk carriers for transporting specialized cargo along the Møre coast.
Investment in Green Technology
Møre Sjø, based in Ørsta, operates two bulk carriers built in the early 1980s, primarily transporting materials such as sand, stone, and asphalt mix under fixed contracts. The new hydrogen-powered vessels, designed by Naval Dynamics, will enhance the company’s fleet and are set to enter a contract with Nordasfalt upon delivery. While the financial details of the order remain undisclosed, the project has received substantial backing, including approximately NOK 85 million (around $8.5 million) from Enova and support from the NOx Fund. Additional financial and technical assistance has been provided by NRP and the Green Shipping Program, highlighting the collaborative effort to promote eco-friendly shipping solutions.
Torstein Holsvik, technical director at Møre Sjø, emphasized the importance of this project, stating, “We have developed this project over several years, received good support, and found a concept for the new ships that we have great faith in. Existing bulk carriers are outdated, and we therefore had to think completely new.” Holsvik noted that after a thorough evaluation of technology maturity, cost-effectiveness, and fuel accessibility, the decision to invest in hydrogen-powered ships was clear. This commitment to innovation reflects a broader trend in the maritime industry towards greener technologies, aiming to reduce emissions and enhance sustainability in shipping operations.
