Maris Fiducia wins funding for hydrogen-fuelled dry bulkers

Norwegian state-owned Enova SF has awarded NOK 300 million (around $28 million) in funding to the Norwegian arm of Dutch ship owner Maris Fiducia to develop and operate five hydrogen-fuelled dry bulkers.

PHOTO: Maris Fiducia’s hydrogen-fuelled dry bulk vessels and engine concept. HAV Hydrogen

The 6,000 dwt dry bulk vessels will be equipped with hydrogen dual-fuel engines that can run on both hydrogen and conventional marine fuels. Additionally, they will feature modules with hydrogen-powered fuel cells for auxiliary power needs.

Dutch shipbuilder Ankerbeer has worked with partners to design the five vessels. Among them are Norway's HAV Hydrogen, which will be supplying the hydrogen-powered fuel cell modules, and Norwegian Hydrogen for green hydrogen supply.

HAV Hydrogen and Norwegian Hydrogen are subcontractors for the project.

Upon delivery, the vessels will be deployed under a charter agreement with the German logistics firm Schulte & Bruns.

The company has not disclosed any details regarding the shipyard where the vessels will be built or the expected delivery timelines.

Enova SF is the clean tech funding arm of the Norwegian government. Its objectives are to promote cleaner technologies, strengthen the supply of renewable energy sources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Including this deal, a total of nine hydrogen vessels and six ammonia vessels have been supported in this ENOVA funding round, amounting to over NOK 1.2 billion (around $114 million). The selected companies are Höegh Autoliners and Amon Gas (ammonia), and Maris Fiducia, Møre Sjø, Napier, and Halten Bulk (hydrogen).

By Tuhin Roy

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