The World’s First Zero Emission Hydrogen Powered SeaShuttles are Pioneering the Logistics Landscape
We are very proud to share information about one of our most exciting recent projects that promises a significant impact on the future of sustainable logistics. Samskip is taking major steps by introducing two hydrogen-fueled shortsea SeaShuttles, designed for our Rotterdam – Oslo Route. The first SeaShuttle is under construction and is expected to be delivered from the yard at the end of 2026. After final hydrogen upgrades in Rotterdam, the first SeaShuttle will become operational in Q2-2027.
The energy transition is here to stay, and with regulatory pressure increasing to move towards renewable energy, Samskip is ready for the future, and we are making sure that you are ready with us. By pioneering hydrogen in shortsea shipping, we’re not only staying ahead of upcoming emissions regulations but also empowering our clients to ship responsibly without compromising on performance and reliability.
The Green Corridor: Rotterdam to Oslo by Hydrogen SeaShuttle
A new era of sustainable shipping is setting sail. Our hydrogen-powered SeaShuttle will soon operate between Rotterdam and Oslo, providing a short-sea transport that is both efficient and with low-to-zero emissions.
Each Seashuttle will operate between Matrans Rotterdam Terminal and the Port of Oslo, establishing a Green Corridor. We are now taking the next step by electrifying our Matrans terminal in Rotterdam, working towards an entire logistics chain that is powered by renewable energy. With this transformation, the Rotterdam – Oslo route will become emission-free over time, making it a pioneering example of how sustainable innovation can reshape maritime transport.
Built for Performance, Designed for the Future
Design
Each SeaShuttle is a state-of-the-art container ship designed to lead the way in energy-efficient maritime shipping and logistics. Engineered with sustainability at its core, the SeaShuttles combine advanced propulsion systems, intelligent energy management, and cutting-edge automation to deliver exceptional performance with minimal environmental impact.
Every aspect of the SeaShuttles has been optimised to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, from their streamlined hull to their smart onboard technologies. With an advanced zero-emission mode, powered by hydrogen, each SeaShuttle offers silent, clean operations in ports and sensitive coastal areas. It’s not just a ship, it’s a commitment to cleaner seas, smarter shipping, and a more responsible future for short-sea trade.
Hydrogen Technology
Our SeaShuttles will run on liquid hydrogen, a form of hydrogen that, when cooled down to -253 degrees, becomes a liquid. In this form, hydrogen becomes denser in energy and easier to store and transport, making it the ideal fuel for our ships.
The SeaShuttles feature advanced hydrogen propulsion systems that combine a “cryogenic” (extremely cold) storage unit for liquid hydrogen with high-efficiency fuel cells. These fuel cells convert hydrogen back into electricity, replacing conventional engines and setting a new benchmark for sustainable, high-performance short-sea shipping. This clean energy powers both the propulsion and all onboard systems, ensuring that cargo moves smoothly.
Safety
Hydrogen is powerful, and we treat it with the highest level of care. Every hydrogen-related system is being carefully designed, tested, and approved by DNV (Det Norske Veritas) and the flag state of NMA (Norwegian Maritime Authority) to ensure safe, reliable operations.
Facts & Figures
First SeaShuttle
in construction and setting sail in 2027
27,000
Tons of reduced CO2
363
FFEU capacity (Forty-Foot Equivalent Unit).
3.2
Megawatts of fuel cell capacity
Hatchcoverless design
Significantly reducing turnaround time in port
When Great Minds Work Together, They Create Innovation That Lasts
This project wouldn’t have been possible without our contract with the leading Indian shipbuilding shipyard, Cochin Shipyard Ltd, and the support we received from Norway’s government green funding program ENOVA (Norwegian state enterprise). These partnerships reinforce what we believe in the most, that through collaboration we can win together. We are truly grateful and proud to collaborate with such esteemed partners who share our vision for innovation and sustainability in the maritime industry. Their expertise and commitment have been instrumental in bringing this ambitious project to life.
The New SeaShuttle Brings Not Only a Sustainable Means of Transport, but Exciting New Opportunities for Our Customers.
Project Timeline
- June, 2022
Enova subsidy award
The Enova subsidy award is a government grant that supports innovation and environmental progress. The project was awarded the award, marking the first step toward advancing sustainable and energy-efficient technologies.
- March, 2023
Shipbuilding contract is signed
The official shipbuilding contract was signed by our CEO in March 2023, solidifying our collaboration with Cochin Shipyard.
- January, 2024
HAZID workshop Hamburg
A HAZID (Hazard Identification) workshop is a meeting where experts work together to spot possible risks early in a project to improve safety and prevent problems. This workshop, led by [...]
- February, 2024
Steel cutting ceremony
The steel cutting ceremony marks the official start of a ship’s construction, symbolising the transition from design to build. This milestone event took place during the Samskip Sustainability Day, highlighting [...]
- March, 2024
Model test Stadt Towing Tank
Model testing is a vital step in ship development. In this phase, engineers scale the model and test it in controlled conditions. Hydrodynamic performance such as resistance, propulsion, and manoeuvrability [...]
- November, 2024
HAZID LH2 bunkering workshop Rotterdam
This workshop on liquid hydrogen (LH2) bunkering focused on identifying and evaluating possible safety risks early in the project. Organized by the Port of Rotterdam and LH2 Shipping, it gathered [...]
