Viasea plans to build hydrogen-powered container ships

Published: 13. November 2023

Enova is providing substantial support of a total of 171.8 million Norwegian kroner to Viasea Shipping for the acquisition of two hydrogen-powered container ships. Once completed, these ships will be deployed in our existing routes between Norway, the Baltics and Northern Europe.

In Viasea we aim to take the lead and inspire the maritime industry to invest in emission-free vessels. This vessel concept is designed for exceptionally lower energy consumption, combining new, emission-free technologies such as green hydrogen and rotor sails for the direct utilization of nature's own renewable energy.

When starting the operations, the two ships will be powered by a combination of hydrogen and diesel. They will also be equipped with two large rotor sails, a battery pack, and various other energy efficiency measures. The total energy requirements will be reduced by more than 30%, consequently decreasing the overall fuel needs.

Hydrogen refuelling is initially planned in Norway. As hydrogen becomes available elsewhere along the planned route, the ships will be able to operate entirely without diesel. At the startup, the combination of hydrogen and diesel operation will result in over a 75% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to an equivalent diesel-powered vessel. With 100% hydrogen operation, the ship will be emission-free.

Viasea's Green Vision

For Viasea Shipping, offering greener freight alternatives to the market is crucial. Since the start of our company in 2016, our vision has been to provide the best sea freight option compared to road freight, considering environmental impact, time, and cost. Our latest strategy places even more emphasis on the environmental and sustainability aspects of sea freight, with plans to build two new ships supported by Enova funds.

"We believe that advanced green hydrogen technology will revolutionize maritime transport in Europe, resulting in zero emissions. Since the founding of Viasea Shipping seven years ago, the goal has been to deliver more sustainable transport to the market. First as a greener alternative to road transport, and now with a focus on zero-emission maritime transport in Europe. This is our first step."

Morten Pettersen, Managing Director, Viasea Shipping

"Viasea's commitment to building these advanced ships demonstrates that logistics companies can be pioneers for a sustainable future. Through our investments in innovative technology, we are not only leading in the transport industry but also setting a bold example of how logistics can offer customers innovative and sustainable solutions, forming the basis for a sustainable future."

Rohit Sharma, Sustainable Advisor, Viasea Shipping, ColliCare Group

Collaboration with Norwegian Ship Design

We have engaged The Norwegian Ship Design Company to develop the zero-emission ship concept powered by hydrogen and wind. The short sea container ship concept is based on scaled-up concept solutions of technology developed under the designation "Powered by Nature," which the company has developed in collaboration with Egil Ulvan Rederi. The "Powered by Nature" concept has garnered international recognition for its state-of-the-art technological solutions.

About Enova

Enova SF is owned by the Ministry of Climate and Environment in Norway. Enova's mission is to contribute to a faster transition to a low-emission society. Enova's goal is to realize projects that contribute to Norway fulfilling its climate commitments and transitioning to a low-emission society.