Norwegian Viasea Shipping (Viasea), established in the city of Moss during fall of 2016 and being involved in shortsea traffic between Europe, the Baltic region, and Norway, with fixed sailing schedules and weekly arrivals in Norway, has revealed plans to order two hydrogen-powered container ships.
Viasea has engaged The Norwegian Ship Design Company to develop the zero-emission container ship concept powered by hydrogen and wind.
Enova SF being owned by the Ministry of Climate and Environment in Norway is providing substantial support of a total of 171.8 million Norwegian kroner (about $16 million) to Viasea Shipping for the acquisition of the two hydrogen-powered container ships.
Hydrogen refuelling is presently being planned in Norway, and Viasea states that as hydrogen becomes available along the planned route, the new container ships will be able to operate entirely without diesel.
The combination of hydrogen and diesel operation at the beginning of operations will result in over a 75% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to an equivalent diesel-powered vessel. With 100% hydrogen operation the new containerships will be emission-free, as Viasea claims.
Morten Pettersen, managing director Viasea Shipping, said that “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.”
