eCap Marine Wins Order to Supply Hydrogen Systems for Two Bulkers
Key Takeaways
- •eCap Marine will supply its H2EPS hydrogen energy systems for two newbuild bulk carriers ordered by GMI.
- •Each vessel will have roughly 3,000 DWT capacity, be built at Showgule Shipyards in India, and enter service in 2029 primarily in Norwegian coastal waters.
- •The systems include compressed hydrogen storage, 1.2 MW PEM fuel cell technology per ship, plus power management, control, and safety equipment.
- •The contract builds on existing cooperation between eCap Marine and GMI and supports GMI's fleet expansion plans.
- •The order aligns with the IMO's target of net-zero international shipping emissions around 2050, driving interest in hydrogen and other alternative fuels.
Hamburg-based eCap Marine has secured a contract from GMI to supply hydrogen-based energy systems for two newbuild bulk carriers.
The two vessels will each have a deadweight capacity of about 3,000 DWT and will be constructed at Showgule Shipyards in India. They are scheduled to enter service in 2029 and will primarily operate in Norwegian coastal waters. Norway has been an early mover in maritime hydrogen, with public-private initiatives such as the Green Shipping Programme working to establish hydrogen fuel supply chains for the country's ferry and coastal cargo segments, making fixed coastal routes a practical starting point for hydrogen propulsion where refuelling infrastructure can be developed alongside regular sailings.
eCap Marine will equip both ships with its eCap H2EPS integrated hydrogen energy systems. The package comprises compressed hydrogen storage, PEM fuel cell technology delivering 1.2 MW per vessel, together with power management, control, and safety systems. PEM (proton exchange membrane) fuel cells convert hydrogen into electricity with water as the main by-product, and are among the fuel cell types being trialled in maritime projects such as the EU-backed FLAGSHIPS initiative, which deployed hydrogen fuel cell vessels for inland and short-sea operations in France and Norway.
The order is part of the wider shipping industry's efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions, as the International Maritime Organization has set a goal of reaching net-zero emissions from international shipping around 2050, pushing shipowners to explore alternative fuels including hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol for newbuild tonnage.
The latest order builds on ongoing projects between the two companies and supports GMI's plans to expand its hydrogen-powered fleet.
"These newbuilds are another important step in that direction, and we are pleased to continue this journey with eCap Marine," Torstein Holvik, CEO of GMI, said.
Source: Ship & Bunker
