As the logistics industry prepares for profound change, one thing remains constant: customers rely on stability, reliability, and long-term thinking. For Samskip, pioneering new energy solutions is about preparing responsibly for the future of shipping and not just moving cargo.

That is why Samskip has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Norwegian Hydrogen, marking the formal starting point toward securing green liquid hydrogen for its hydrogen-powered SeaShuttle vessels. This agreement represents a next, concrete step in ensuring that zero-emission shortsea shipping can operate reliably at scale.

The Samskip SeaShuttles, our two shortsea container vessels currently under construction, are designed to operate between Rotterdam and Oslo, with first operations planned from early 2027. These vessels will be among the world’s first container ships powered by hydrogen.

On board, liquid hydrogen will be stored at extremely low temperatures. Special “fuel cells” convert the hydrogen into electricity, powering the vessel’s electric propulsion.

Using hydrogen in liquid form is a crucial part of this design. Compared to gaseous hydrogen, liquid hydrogen has a much higher energy density, allowing more energy to be carried on board, which is an essential factor for making hydrogen-powered shortsea operations viable and reliable.

Together, Building a New Energy Ecosystem

While hydrogen holds enormous promise as a renewable fuel for maritime transport, inland waterways, and even heavy road transport, the supply chain is still in its early stages. One of the industry’s biggest challenges has been the so-called chicken-and-egg dilemma: without demand, production stalls, and without supply, adoption slows.

By entering this MoU with Norwegian Hydrogen, Samskip is actively contributing to breaking that deadlock.

Norwegian Hydrogen is developing green hydrogen production based on renewable hydropower, close to Oslo. The project is backed by multiple EU and Norwegian support mechanisms and is designed to establish a complete value chain, from production to distribution and bunkering suitable for maritime use.

This cooperation supports more than Samskip’s SeaShuttle project, but also the wider development of a future hydrogen economy for logistics.

“Pioneering in hydrogen means taking responsibility for tomorrow’s customers”, says Jeroen Hollebrands, Head of New Building and Projects at Samskip.

Laurens Dourleijn, Sustainability Manager at Samskip added, “This step allows us to work towards zero-emission shipping while safeguarding the reliability our customers depend on. By collaborating with partners like Norwegian Hydrogen, we are helping build the conditions needed for hydrogen to become a practical, scalable solution for shortsea transport.”

From Vision to Reality

The SeaShuttle project itself has already moved decisively from ambition to execution. Following the keel-laying ceremony at Cochin Shipyard in November, construction is progressing steadily, supported by a network of experienced maritime partners and regulatory bodies.

Once delivered, the vessels will be fitted with hydrogen fuel cell systems in Rotterdam, completing the transition from conventional construction to hydrogen operation. Each milestone reinforces Samskip’s belief that sustainability and service reliability must and can go hand in hand.

Through this collaboration with Norwegian Hydrogen, Samskip continues to prepare for a changing regulatory, environmental, and energy landscape with true intention and a confidence of added value to the logistics industry and a sustainable future.

As the industry evolves, Samskip welcomes dialogue with customers who are interested in low- and zero-emission shortsea services, and in exploring how these solutions can support their own sustainability ambitions without compromising operational performance.

Pioneering takes commitment. Preparing takes responsibility.
And the journey toward zero-emission logistics is one we continue, step by step, together.