PowerCell to supply fuel cell systems for GMI Group’s hydrogen-electric bulk carriers

Swedish hydrogen fuel cell manufacturer PowerCell has secured a follow-up order worth SEK 27 million (around $3 million) to supply fuel cell systems for two additional hydrogen-electric bulk carriers being developed for Norwegian shipping company GMI Group.

IMAGE: Powercell’s fuel cell system. Powercell

The order covers 10 fuel cell systems delivering more than 2 MW of power, with deliveries scheduled for 2027–2028. It follows an initial order placed in September 2025, expanding the partnership from two vessels to four. Across the four ships, PowerCell will supply 24 fuel cell systems with a combined installed capacity of 5.4 MW.

GMI Group is developing bulk carriers that use compressed renewable hydrogen to generate onboard electricity through fuel cells. The first two vessels, each with a deadweight capacity of 4,000 mt, are scheduled for launch in 2027. PowerCell expects them to become the world’s first hydrogen-electric bulk carriers.

The two additional vessels will each have a deadweight capacity of 3,000 mt and will be built by India’s Chowgule Shipyard.

PowerCell will supply the fuel cell systems, while German clean technology company eCap Marine will oversee vessel-level integration and certification of the hydrogen and propulsion solution. The vessel concept is supported by Norway’s Enova fund and the NOx Fund and is part of the Green Shipping Program.

By Tuhin Roy

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