Samskip Place Orders Pair of Hydrogen-Powered Short-Sea Containerships

European multimodal logistics provider Samskip has confirmed an order for two hydrogen fuel cell-powered vessels to operate on its West European routes.

The company signed a shipbuilding contract with India's leading shipyard, Cochin Shipyard Ltd, for the construction of the vessels. Once operational, these vessels will be among the world's first zero-emission short-sea containerships, powered by green hydrogen fuel. The project is part of Samskip's initiative to collaborate with Norway’s government green funding program, which focuses on emission-free transportation by adopting sustainable and innovative future technologies.

The vessels are expected to cut CO2 emissions by 25,000 tons annually in zero-emission mode and will achieve zero-emission operations in ports by utilizing green shore power.

Samskip Group CEO Kari-Pekka Laaksonen emphasized that the initiative represents a significant step toward the company's sustainability goals, outlined in its latest sustainability report. A key component of Samskip’s plan to reduce CO2 emissions is shipboard carbon capture, which the company plans to test on two existing vessels, the Samskip Pioneer and Samskip Endeavour.

"We have always strived to lead by example because sustainability is in our DNA, and we are invested in the future: the future of green logistics, our planet, our economy, and the next generation of seafarers. We are confident this project will be a game-changer," Laaksonen said.

The vessels are designed by Naval Dynamics AS, which congratulated Samskip on securing the contract for the two SeaShuttle container feeder vessels.

"The two-vessel order is a milestone for all involved, as this represents a truly zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell-powered vessel," said Naval Dynamics AS.

Cochin Shipyard Chairman Madhu Nair noted that the collaboration reinforces the shipyard’s position among global leaders in sustainable, green future technology.