Viasea receives government funds to construct two hydrogen-powered ships

Norwegian short-sea shipping line Viasea Shipping has received government funds to build two hydrogen-powered short-sea container ships.

PHOTO: A generic image of a hydrogen-powered container ship. Getty Images

The Norwegian government's green funding programme, ENOVA, which aims to boost the adoption of innovative technologies for emission-free transportation, has granted funds worth NOK 172 million (around $15.5 million) to the company for the project.

At the start of operations, the short-sea container ships will be powered by a combination of green hydrogen and diesel. The vessels will also be equipped with two large rotor sails and a battery pack to reduce total energy requirements.

These will reduce the total energy requirements of the vessel “by more than 30%.” The combination of green hydrogen and diesel will also result in a “75% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to an equivalent diesel-powered vessel,” Viasea claims.

Initially, the vessels will be bunkered with hydrogen in Norway, and as hydrogen becomes available along its planned route, it will operate entirely on hydrogen, making it emission-free.

Viasea has contracted ship designer Norwegian Ship Design to develop the hydrogen and wind-powered short-sea vessels. It will be based on a concept that the Norwegian Ship Design firm developed in collaboration with maritime firm Egil Ulvan Rederi.

The vessels are scheduled to be delivered in 2026. Upon delivery, both vessels will be deployed on routes “between Norway, the Baltics and Northern Europe.”

“We believe that advanced green hydrogen technology will revolutionize maritime transport in Europe, resulting in zero emissions,” Viasea’s managing director Morten Pettersen says.

By Tuhin Roy

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