A new project in Norway is focused on converting a large LNG vessel to run on hydrogen fuel cells, funded by the Norwegian government.
Government Funding for Decarbonization Initiatives
The funding for this project comes from the Norwegian government’s ENOVA fund. ENOVA is designed to support projects aimed at accelerating the country’s decarbonization efforts.
The companies involved in this hydrogen cargo ship conversion, including Samskip, TECO 2030, and Blom Maritime, will receive funding from the very beginning, covering the development of conversion plans.
The project will utilize the Samskip Kvitnos, a 4,900 dwt RoRo multipurpose vessel built in 2015 and currently based in Rotterdam.
This vessel travels along the Norwegian coast, reaching as far as Hammerfest, making it a suitable candidate for testing the feasibility of hydrogen propulsion.
Transitioning from LNG to Hydrogen Fuel Cells
Are Grathen, Samskip’s Regional Director for Norway and Sweden, highlighted the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability, stating that the LNG-powered Kvitnos was already among the most environmentally friendly cargo ships when it was delivered in 2015.
The ENOVA grant and collaboration with TECO 2030 will enable Samskip to pursue zero-emission propulsion, paving the way for their upcoming H2-powered newbuilds and supporting their net-zero targets for 2040.
Beyond Vessel Conversion: Design and Feasibility
This project goes beyond simply converting the Kvitnos to hydrogen power. It also aims to develop conversion designs and assess the feasibility of converting other LNG-powered cargo ships to hydrogen fuel cells.
In addition to technical feasibility, the project will contribute valuable information through the conversion process and subsequent feasibility studies. It will also help establish long-term hydrogen supply contracts, utilizing the fixed routes of vessels traveling along the Norwegian coast.