Samskip, a leading European multimodal container logistics systems operator, is heading an ambitious initiative to develop autonomous, zero-emissions container ships that can also compete on cost.
Photo: Samskip
Samskip has been named the lead partner in ‘Seashuttle’, a project seeking to bring emissions-free, autonomous container ships to market.
The announcement follows the awarding of €6 million from the Norwegian government to Project SeaShuttle to take forward development of two all-electric ships slated to connect Poland, Swedish west coast ports and the Oslo fjord. The vessels will draw on state-of-the-art hydrogen fuel cells for their propulsion power.
Seashuttle is one of six initiatives included in ‘PILOT-E’, a €100 million-plus scheme involving the Research Council, Innovation Norway and Enova, aiming to develop solutions for climate-neutral industries. Seashuttle funding came from four Norwegian ministries (Food and Fishing; Climate and Environment; Petroleum and Energy; and Transport and Communications).
“Samskip is delighted to take the lead in the project to develop next-generation sustainable shortsea shipping,” says Are Grathen, MD Samskip Norway. “What distinguishes this project and will be key to its success is the combination of fuel and technology that will make it cost-competitive with existing solutions. With our trusted project partners, we are convinced that such ambitions are realistic.”
Automation of key shipboard activities would also bring cost savings, he says. “Exporters increasingly seek lower and even zero-emissions transport solutions, but they need to be assured on reliability, frequency, efficiency and cost-effectiveness.”
Other Seashuttle partners include logistics consultant FlowChange, technology group Kongsberg Maritime, hydrogen integrator HYON and Massterly, a Kongsberg Maritime/Wilhelmsen venture developing autonomous vessel solutions.
"Green shipping is a sector where Norway can be a world leader in new and green technology,” says Anita Krohn Traaseth, CEO, Innovation Norway. “The conversion is underway, for example with many electric ferries. This year's PILOT-E awards show that there are exciting plans to make shipping more environmentally friendly."
Final Seashuttle ports of call are yet to be determined, but it is already known that the fuel cell technology will convert hydrogen into power for propulsion. For the moment, the project envisages zero emissions during 20% of a round trip between Poland and the Oslo Fjord – sufficient for all operations in Norwegian waters. That proportion will grow as more stations fill hydrogen along the route.
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