Norwegian state-owned Enova has awarded NOK 300 million in innovation funding to Maris Fiducia Norway AS, with HAV Hydrogen and Norwegian Hydrogen as subcontractors, to develop, build and operate five hydrogen-powered dry-bulk vessels.

The NOK 300 million grant is awarded under Enova’s “hydrogen in vessels”-programme, which aims to contribute to market change by supporting companies that will use hydrogen as fuel in vessels and support the development of zero emission vessel technologies.

Maris Fiducia Norway, which is the Norwegian operation of Dutch shipowner Maris Fiducia, will manage and operate the five vessels. When built the five dry-bulk carriers will go on hire through a zero-emission time charter agreement with Schulte & Bruns, establishing a commercial operation for vessels operating on hydrogen fuel, proving the feasibility of hydrogen technologies for shipping.

The 6,000 dwt vessels are designed by the Dutch ship designer Ankerbeer with a hull design optimised for efficiency and low fuel consumption. The power plant shall consist of a dual fuel hydrogen ICE combined with fuel cells for auxiliary power.