LH2 Shipping has been awarded Enova support amounting to NOK 344.3m for the development and construction of two additional liquid hydrogen-powered bulk carriers, marking another important milestone in the company’s efforts to bring zero-emission shipping solutions into commercial shortsea operations.
With the latest award, LH2 Shipping is now involved in the development of six hydrogen-powered bulk carrier projects. The announcement builds on previous Enova-supported vessel initiatives and reflects growing momentum for liquid hydrogen as a viable fuel alternative for short-sea shipping to meet decarbonising policy goals. The new projects represent a continuation of LH2 Shipping’s long-term strategy to establish commercially viable hydrogen-powered vessels while contributing to the development of the supporting fuel and bunkering infrastructure required for large-scale adoption.
Ivan Østvik, CEO and Owner, LH2 Shipping, said: “This award is an important strategic milestone for LH2 Shipping. It strengthens our position as a developer of liquid hydrogen-based zero-emission vessel solutions and brings us yet another step closer to our ambition of enabling a substantial fleet of hydrogen-powered vessels that can help establish a complete maritime liquid hydrogen value chain.”
Since introducing the first hydrogen-powered bulk carrier projects, LH2 Shipping has focused on moving beyond demonstration concepts toward commercially deployable vessels. The addition of vessels five and six further expands the project portfolio and supports continued industrial learning across ship design, fuel systems, operations, and infrastructure. The Enova support will indirectly enable LH2 Shipping to continue its work developing additional zero-emission solutions for passenger transport and offshore operations, supporting Norway’s broader transition toward a low-emission maritime sector.
Enova Head of Hydrogen and Ammonia Initiatives, Elin Ulstad Stokland, added: “If we are to succeed in the transition to low and zero emission solutions in the maritime sector, we depend on players who dare to go first. LH2 Shipping shows how shipping companies can take the lead and adopt new technology. This is crucial to accelerating development and reducing emissions from shipping.”
While significant work remains before hydrogen becomes widely adopted across the industry, LH2 Shipping believes that continued project execution, infrastructure development, and collaboration across the maritime value chain is key to realising zero-emission shipping at scale.
This latest Enova award brings total support for the six vessels to more than NOK 800m and reinforces the momentum behind hydrogen-powered shipping in Norway. Through these projects, LH2 Shipping says it is offering ship operators an opportunity to decarbonise bulk transport at scale while contributing to the development of the infrastructure and experience needed for wider industry adoption.
Image: ‘StrandBulk’ by LH2 Shipping, powered by zero-carbon liquid hydrogen (LH₂) (credit: LH2 Shipping).
