Hydrogen-Powered Container ships Set for Oslo-Rotterdam Commercial Trial

Two hydrogen-powered SeaShuttle container vessels are being developed as real-world demonstrators under the EU-funded HyShip project, which aims to establish a liquid hydrogen shipping corridor between Oslo and Rotterdam.

Supported by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership, HyShip is developing an end-to-end liquid hydrogen ecosystem covering fuel production, port infrastructure, bunkering and vessel operations. The project is intended to move liquid hydrogen-powered shipping from demonstration concepts towards commercial freight operations.

The two vessels are under construction for Dutch logistics company Samskip. The first vessel is scheduled for delivery from the shipyard by the end of 2026, followed by completion of its hydrogen-related upgrades in Rotterdam. It is expected to enter operation in the second quarter of 2027.

SeaShuttles designed for commercial freight

Unlike research vessels developed primarily for technology testing, the SeaShuttles are being designed for commercial container transport while operating with zero carbon emissions at the point of operation.

The two vessels will be powered by 32 Ballard FCwave 200 kW fuel cell engines, providing a combined installed fuel-cell capacity of 6.4 MW. When operating on green hydrogen, each vessel is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 25,000 tonnes annually.

The vessels will operate between Matrans Rotterdam Terminal and the Port of Oslo, providing a regular short-sea shipping route for containerised cargo.

Liquid hydrogen infrastructure planned in Oslo and Rotterdam

Norwegian company LH2 Shipping is developing the liquid hydrogen propulsion systems for the vessels. The company will also design, build and operate the quayside bunkering infrastructure required to supply liquid hydrogen to the SeaShuttles.

The infrastructure is a central component of plans to establish a green shipping corridor linking Oslo and Rotterdam, integrating hydrogen production, bunkering and vessel operations.

Samskip is also working to electrify its Matrans terminal in Rotterdam, with the aim of developing a logistics chain powered entirely by renewable energy.

HyShip to collect operational data

The commercial demonstration is expected to generate more than 3,000 hours of real-world operational data over an 18-month period.

The data will cover areas including vessel performance at sea, port manoeuvring and liquid hydrogen bunkering procedures. The project is intended to provide operational experience with liquid hydrogen in short-sea shipping and identify practical requirements for wider deployment.

HyShip, formally titled Demonstrating Liquid Hydrogen for the Maritime Sector, is also expected to contribute operational information relevant to regulations, safety frameworks and commercial models for hydrogen-powered shipping.

The Oslo-Rotterdam demonstration will therefore provide a test case for integrating liquid hydrogen production, bunkering infrastructure and commercial vessel operations within a European short-sea shipping corridor.