Europe’s transition toward sustainable maritime transport is entering a new phase. Logistics company Samskip has secured a key role in the EU-supported HyShip project, one of the largest demonstration initiatives focused on the commercial use of liquid hydrogen in shipping. Construction of the world’s first liquid hydrogen-powered container vessels is currently underway at Cochin Shipyard in India.
At the heart of the initiative is SeaShuttle, a program to build two autonomous hydrogen-powered container ships. The vessels will operate on the Oslo–Rotterdam route, one of Northern Europe’s most important freight corridors. The project also highlights India’s growing role in advanced shipbuilding, with the country’s shipbuilding industry participating in one of the world’s most ambitious efforts to introduce hydrogen technology into commercial maritime transport.
Under the HyShip project, onboard liquid hydrogen storage systems will be integrated with shoreside bunkering infrastructure and port operations. This will enable the creation of a fully operational green shipping corridor between Norway and the Netherlands while allowing hydrogen technologies to be tested under real commercial operating conditions.
LH2 Shipping has also joined the project and will be responsible for developing safe and scalable onboard hydrogen systems, as well as designing and operating the port bunkering infrastructure. The HyShip consortium additionally includes DNV, Maritime CleanTech, ETH Zurich, Wilhelmsen Holding, Diana Shipping, and several other European partners.
Although SeaShuttle’s commercial operations will take place in Europe, the construction of the vessels in India underscores Asia’s growing role in delivering next-generation maritime projects. For Asian shipyards, participation in initiatives of this scale represents an opportunity to strengthen their position in the rapidly expanding market for high-tech, low-emission shipbuilding as the global shipping industry accelerates its transition toward decarbonization.
Also read: China’s EV Boom: 7 Million Units in Just Six Months
