ABB is to deliver a comprehensive power, propulsion and automation system for two newbuild short-sea container ships for logistics company Samskip Group.
The vessels will be among the first of their kind to use hydrogen as a fuel. Built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd, the largest shipbuilding and maintenance facility in India, the 135m ships are due for delivery in Q3 and Q4 of 2025, respectively. Both vessels will be operating between Oslo Fjord and Rotterdam, a distance of approximately 700 naut miles.
In addition to the integration of hydrogen fuel cells, ABB’s package includes the new, compact version of ABB Onboard DC Grid power distribution system that will ensure the optimal use of energy on board. The vessels will feature ABB’s energy storage solution control, with the ABB Ability System 800xA automation technology, ensuring seamless operation of onboard equipment. The vessels will benefit from ABB Ability Remote Diagnostic Systems with 24/7 remote support.
Fuel cells will turn chemical energy from hydrogen into electricity through an electrochemical reaction. With the use of renewables to produce the hydrogen, the entire energy chain will be clean. Hydrogen fuel cell technology is considered as one of the most promising solutions to support shipping industry’s decarbonisation agenda, with the potential to significantly reduce GHG emissions and increase energy efficiency.
Samskip’s vessels will be powered by a 3.2 MW hydrogen fuel cell each, with diesel generators installed for back-up. Samskip, headquartered in Rotterdam, Netherlands, aims to achieve net zero by 2040, anticipating that each vessel will be able to avoid around 25,000t of CO2 emissions a year when powered by fuel cells and by using green shore power at the port of call. While the ships are setting new standards for environmentally friendly operations, they are expected to perform at the same level as Samskip’s conventional vessels.
The project is in line with the revised IMO GHG reduction strategy, which calls on reaching net zero GHG emissions from international shipping close to 2050, with a commitment to increase the uptake of low-carbon fuels by 2030.
Juha Koskela, Division President, ABB Marine & Ports said: “ABB is delighted to collaborate with Samskip and Cochin Shipyard Limited on this project which will help to avoid emissions and reduce operational expenses. ABB is at the forefront of shipping’s most ambitious plans for decarbonisation and setting new standards for green maritime transportation.”
Erik Hofmeester, Head of Fleet Management, Samskip Group said: “Samskip’s level of ambition on emissions requires partners like ABB, with similar objectives for innovation and the willingness to invest in the future. These ships are a milestone for the maritime industry, delivering hydrogen fuel cells as a clean and renewable technology.”
Madhu S Nair, Chairman and MD Cochin Shipyard said: “Cochin Shipyard is proud to partner with ABB in strengthening our position as an early mover in sustainable technology and supporting India’s vision to become a Global Hub for building Green Ships.”
The project is co-funded by Norwegian state enterprise Enova. Operating under Norway’s Ministry of Climate and Environment, Enova promotes a shift towards more environmentally friendly energy consumption and production, as well as the development of energy and climate technology.
