PowerCell Group has secured a breakthrough contract with Norwegian shipping company GMI Rederi to supply hydrogen fuel cell systems for the world’s first hydrogen-powered bulk carriers.
The SEK 40 million (€3.6 million) deal includes 14 Marine System 225 units, delivering over 3 MW of clean power, alongside engineering services.
“This project shows just how far the Marine System 225 has come in proving itself as a reliable and competitive solution across shipping segments,” said Stig Kallestad, marine director at PowerCell Group.
“Bulk carriers are demanding applications, and the fact that our technology is chosen here demonstrates that hydrogen fuel cells are no longer just pilots – they are real solutions for real operations.”
Each of the two 85-metre vessels, with a 4,000-tonne deadweight capacity, will be fitted with seven Marine System 225 units, enabling completely emission-free operations using renewable hydrogen.
“We continue to expand the use of our Marine System 225, and with GMI Rederi we are now moving into bulk carriers, a new and important segment,” explained Richard Berkling, chief executive of PowerCell Group.
“This is not only about two ships – it is about setting a new standard for zero-emission maritime transport.”
GMI Rederi, supported by the Norwegian government’s Enova fund and the NOx Fund, is leading the project as part of the Green Shipping Programme. Hydrogen system integration and certification will be handled by German green propulsion expert eCap Marine.
“Existing bulk carriers are outdated, and we needed to think completely anew,” said Torstein Holsvik, chief executive of GMI Rederi. “After careful evaluation, we chose compressed hydrogen with fuel cells as the most future-ready solution.”
Deliveries are scheduled for 2026–2027.
