Norwegian company orders two more hydrogen-powered cargo ships

Green Maritime Infrastructure (GMI), a company based in Ørsta, Norway, has ordered two new hydrogen-powered cargo ships. These vessels will be used to transport asphalt and gravel, contributing to the decarbonization of the shipping industry.

These new ships will each have a capacity of 3,000 tons and will be constructed at the Chowgule shipyard in India. GMI has already ordered two larger, 4,000-ton ships, which are being built in Turkey and are expected to be operational next year. Currently, Norway has only one operational hydrogen-powered ship, the Hydra ferry used by Norled in Rogaland.

Per Olav Myrstad, chairman of GMI Group AS, emphasized the necessity of government support for such initiatives. He stated that access to hydrogen and the construction of these ships require subsidies to cover the initial higher costs, making the venture financially viable in its early stages. Myrstad expressed optimism that hydrogen-powered shipping could become profitable without state aid in the future as environmental costs increase.

The Norwegian Public Roads Administration offers a bonus of 7.50 kroner per kilogram of CO2 emissions saved to suppliers who achieve the lowest pollution levels. This incentive, along with support from Enova for hydrogen production and bunkering stations, is crucial for establishing a hydrogen value chain along the coast. The administration's director, Ingrid Dahl Hovland, noted that GMI's investment demonstrates the effectiveness of clear climate requirements in public procurement, driving innovation in the market.