Project to build autonomous containerships secures funding

The project 'SeaShuttle' has now secured NOK150 million in funding from Norwegian state enterprise ENOVA. The project is led by transport and logistics group Samskip and marine robotics specialist Ocean Infinity.

First announced at Nor-Shipping in April, the partnership between Samskip and Ocean Infinity will be looking at constructing and operating ships, as a step towards zero-emission logistics.

The project envisions two hydrogen-powered SeaShuttle ships operating emissions-free between Oslo Fjord and Rotterdam. Each will be powered by a 3.2MW hydrogen fuel cell.

"Samskip is very proud to take the lead role in pioneering the SeaShuttle initiative, as part of its 'making green logistics easy' strategy," says Are Gråthen, CEO, Samskip Norway. "Securing this funding provides a platform to make emissions-free container shipping a reality. Together, Samskip and Ocean Infinity will also accelerate their plans to advance autonomous ship technologies, and remote operation of ships and cargo handling equipment. These ships are the first part of an exciting collaboration with Ocean Infinity."

Image credit: Samskip

ENOVA, which currently operates under Norway's Ministry of Climate and Environment, is promoting the development of more environmentally friendly energy consumption and technologies based on sustainable energy.

Thanks to the funding, both companies can move forward in the project by contracting two new 500ETU ships installed with a main propulsion solution that can be adapted to run on hydrogen. As a back-up, a diesel electric propulsion plant will be on board.

"Ocean Infinity's enabling technologies can facilitate green corridors but also the broader decarbonisation and transformation of maritime operations," explains Christoffer Jorgenvag, CCO of Ocean Infinity. "The emphasis today is on the SeaShuttle vessels, which are just part of Ocean Infinity's overall strategy of unlocking innovation to deliver truly sustainable maritime operations."

For more information on Samskip visit their website, HERE.

For more information on Ocean Infinity visit their website, HERE.

The Aquaculturists

---