Sperry Marine to Equip Samskip’s Hydrogen-Powered Containerships with Integrated Bridge Systems

UK-based navigation solutions provider Sperry Marine, a Northrop Grumman company, has been awarded the contract to supply integrated bridge systems (IBS) for two hydrogen-powered containerships being built for logistics group Samskip.

The 135-meter-long vessels are under construction at Cochin Shipyard Limited in India and are scheduled for delivery in 2027. Designed for zero-emission propulsion, the ships will operate between Oslo Fjord and the Port of Rotterdam, contributing to a green corridor initiative. When running on green hydrogen, the two vessels are expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by about 25,000 tons annually.

At the request of the owner, each IBS will be based on an open architecture to allow future integration of autonomous navigation technologies. While no uniform standards currently exist for autonomous ship navigation, Sperry Marine’s modular design and open interfaces are intended to give flexibility for gradual adoption.

The bridge package will include Sperry Marine’s new self-adaptive autopilot, which adjusts to vessel characteristics and varying conditions, aimed at lowering fuel consumption and reducing bridge workload. It will also feature Advanced ARPA tracking, which provides independent tracking data streams for greater reliability in difficult conditions, with a range of 40 nautical miles to enhance situational awareness.

Additional systems include Sperry Marine’s Secure Maritime Gateway for cyber protection, as well as remote diagnostics and support.

“Samskip’s level of ambition on emissions requires partners like Sperry Marine, with similar objectives for innovation and the willingness to invest in the future,” said Jeroen Hollebrands, Head of Newbuilding and Projects, Samskip Group. “These ships are a milestone for the maritime industry, delivering hydrogen fuel cells and autonomous-ready navigation as a clean and renewable technology.”

“Sperry Marine is proud to collaborate with Samskip and Cochin Shipyard Limited on this transformative project,” added Guy Millard, Managing Director of Sperry Marine.