eCap Marine has secured a further contract for the supply of hydrogen-based energy systems to the maritime industry. Under the agreement, the company will equip two additional hydrogen-powered bulk carriers for GMI with its integrated hydrogen energy power systems, known as eCap H2EPS.

The new contract builds on ongoing projects between the two companies and further strengthens their collaboration in the field of zero-emission shipping.

The two newbuild vessels, each with a deadweight capacity of approximately 3,000 DWT, will be constructed by Showgule Shipyards Ltd. in India and are scheduled to enter service in 2029. They will primarily operate in Norwegian coastal waters.

As part of the project, eCap Marine will supply the complete hydrogen system solution for both vessels. The scope of supply includes compressed hydrogen storage systems, PEM (proton exchange membrane) fuel cell technology delivering an output of 1.2 MW per vessel, and the power management, control, and safety systems required for maritime applications. PEM fuel cells convert hydrogen directly into electricity, producing no CO2 emissions at the point of use, which makes the technology a candidate for ships operating in environmentally sensitive waters.

With these newbuilds, GMI continues its commitment to more sustainable coastal shipping. In Norway in particular, zero-emission propulsion technologies are becoming increasingly important in reducing environmental impacts in sensitive coastal and fjord regions. Norwegian maritime policy has actively encouraged the adoption of low- and zero-emission vessel technologies, including through incentives administered by the state enterprise Enova, and the country's short-sea shipping fleet has been an early adopter of battery-electric and hydrogen-based propulsion. The ordering of hydrogen-fuelled tonnage also comes as the international shipping industry works toward the International Maritime Organization's target of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping by or around 2050.

"Our ambition is to become a leading owner of hydrogen-powered vessels. These newbuilds are another important step in that direction, and we are pleased to continue this journey with eCap Marine," said Torstein Holvik, CEO of GMI.

"The renewed order from GMI demonstrates the growing confidence in hydrogen as a viable solution for maritime applications," said Lars Ravens, Managing Director of eCap Marine. "We are pleased to support GMI's ambition and bring our experience from previous projects into these new vessels."

Source: eCap Marine