GMI orders two H2-powered coastal vessels

GMI has ordered two newbuild vessels equipped with hydrogen fuel-cell propulsion for operation in Norwegian coastal waters from 2029.

The two vessels, each with a deadweight capacity of approximately 3,000 DWT, will be built by Showgule Shipyards in India and are scheduled to enter service in 2029.

They will primarily operate along the Norwegian coast, where zero-emission propulsion is gaining importance as the maritime sector seeks to reduce environmental impacts in sensitive coastal and fjord areas.

“Our ambition is to become a leading owner of hydrogen-powered vessels. These newbuilds are another important step in that direction, and we are pleased to continue this journey with eCap Marine,” said Torstein Holvik, chief executive of GMI.

As part of the project, eCap Marine will provide the complete hydrogen system solution for both vessels. The scope includes compressed hydrogen storage systems, PEM fuel cell technology delivering 1.2 MW per vessel, and the associated power management, control and safety systems required for maritime applications.

The newbuilds represent a further step in GMI’s efforts to develop more sustainable coastal shipping and increase the use of zero-emission propulsion technologies.

“The renewed order from GMI demonstrates the growing confidence in hydrogen as a viable solution for maritime applications,” said Lars Ravens, managing director of eCap Marine. “We are pleased to support GMI’s ambition and bring our experience from previous projects into these new vessels.”

The project also builds on the companies’ existing relationship, with eCap Marine bringing experience from previous hydrogen-powered maritime projects to the latest vessels.

With the two newbuilds, GMI is positioning hydrogen propulsion as a key element of its longer-term fleet strategy, while eCap Marine will provide the integrated technology required to operate the vessels using hydrogen fuel cells.