eCap Marine secures two contracts for hydrogen power solutions
Germany-based engineering company eCap Marine has received two contracts to provide hydrogen-based propulsion systems for zero-emission vessels.
The company will supply hydrogen power solutions for short-sea container vessels for Samskip and bulk carriers for Møre Sjø.
eCap Marine stated that it is one of the few companies in the world to have retrofitted a commercial vessel, the offshore supply ship Coastal Liberty, with hydrogen-powered propulsion.
This experience facilitated a contract with Samskip to equip hydrogen-powered propulsion solutions for two zero-emission short-sea container vessels, known as the Samskip SeaShuttles, currently being built at Cochin Shipyard in India.
eCap Marine claimed that the Samskip SeaShuttles will be the the first of their kind globally to utilise green hydrogen as fuel.
The company is also required to provide hydrogen-powered fuel cells for both of these vessels.
These 3.2MW proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells will be equipped with marine-approved power electronics, controllers, and safety systems, as well as all necessary interfaces for integration into a containerised system located on the aft deck of the vessels.
The two short-sea container vessels are expected to be delivered in 2027.
Meanwhile, Norwegian shipping company Møre Sjø contracted eCap Marine to supply hydrogen propulsion systems for two bulk carriers under construction at Gelibolu Shipyard in Türkiye.
These vessels with a deadweight of 4,000 tonnes (t) are designed for operations in Norwegian coastal waters.
The two vessels will also be delivered in 2027.
The contract requires eCap Marine to deliver onboard hydrogen solutions, outfitting vessels with 1.7MW PEM hydrogen fuel cells for the emission-free transportation of dry bulk goods.
Each vessel will feature a compressed hydrogen tank system with a capacity exceeding 2t, permanently installed in the aft section. The fuel cells and other electrical components will be strategically placed in appropriate spaces below deck.
eCap Marine managing director Lars Ravens said: “These projects are a significant milestone for eCap Marine – and the maritime energy transition.
“Our team has worked with engineering enthusiasm to develop scalable hydrogen technology. Our integrated hydrogen systems are now at the core of two groundbreaking vessels. We thank both Møre Sjø and Samskip for entrusting us with these emission-free marine propulsion lighthouse projects.”
