Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV), a provider of testing, inspection, and certification, has entered into a contract with Gelibolu Shipyard and eCap Marine, for the classification of 2+2 hydrogen-powered cargo vessels to be built for Norwegian shipowner Møre Sjø AS. This project represents the first general cargo ships in BV class to use hydrogen propulsion.
Designed with the integration of a high-pressure hydrogen power system, a battery pack and electric propulsion, the vessels will measure 88.7 m in length and 14.2 m in breadth, with a maximum draft of 6 m and an estimated gross tonnage of 3750. The vessels are designed to transport heavy and occasional dry bulk cargoes under the Norwegian flag.
On delivery from the yard, the vessels are being designed to meet the requirements for BV’s ‘hydrogenfuel-prepared’ notation. The hydrogen power system is currently being designed by eCap Marine, which will also be responsible for its installation, commissioning, and the execution of the Alternative Design Approval process. BV will be closely involved throughout the review and approval process to help ensure the safe and reliable integration of the system. Once completed, the vessels will be eligible to be assigned the ‘hydrogenfuel’ notation.
In addition to their alternative fuel capability, the vessels are intended to be classed with a comprehensive scope including Cyber Resilient, Unrestricted Navigation, AUT-UMS, In-Water Survey and OPS (On-shore power system) notations. These standards will help ensure the vessels meet the requirements for safety, performance and operational flexibility while being able to run as zero-emission vessels.
Matthieu de Tugny, Executive Vice President, Industrials and Commodities at Bureau Veritas, said: "This project marks an important step in advancing hydrogen as an alternative fuel for general cargo shipping. By working together with Gelibolu Shipyard, eCap Marine, and Møre Sjø AS, we are helping to ensure the safe and reliable deployment of new technologies, combining efficiency with readiness for future fuels. At BV, we are proud to support our stakeholders in preparing for the energy transition, and these vessels illustrate how forward-looking owners and builders can lead the way towards a lower-emission future."
Torstein Holsvik, Managing Director of Møre Sjø, said: “Our ambition is to build Norway's leading zero-emission shipping company for coastal freight – a profitable, scalable, and disruptive company with a clear green profile as its competitive advantage.”