Samskip and Cochin Shipyard Ltd. have just commenced building on their next-generation zero-emission shortsea container vessel, the Samskip SeaShuttle.
Representatives from both enterprises, the government, and partners attended the formal steel-cutting event, which depicted the first phase of the shuttle’s development.
This is the first of two contracted vessels, and it will reportedly be the world’s first zero-emission shortsea container vessel powered by green hydrogen.
The hydrogen-powered Samskip SeaShuttle is intended to build green corridors between the European continent and Scandinavia.
In zero-emission mode, 2 SeaShuttles are estimated to save around 25,000 tonnes of CO2 per year. They will also accomplish zero-emission operations in ports by utilising green shore power at the port of call.
READ: RST, Samskip launch Green Shore Power initiative
Erik Hofmeester, Head of Fleet Management at Samskip, stated: “It was great to see important stakeholders in the room, all positively energised in a joint effort to realize zero-emission transport. With 2030 around the corner, there is no time to waste.”
READ: Samskip develops multimodal transport in Central Eastern Europe
Are Grathen, Regional Director – Norway & Sweden Multimodal at Samskip, added: “It has been a long journey, but I always had faith in this project from the start. I have had the pleasure of being involved from the beginning and helped get both our Norway and Rotterdam teams aligned.
“The SeaShuttle will provide a great green corridor and it’s really inspiring to see the leadership and commitment of our customers who have already booked space on this service. Now we go from planning to building!”
In September 2023, Samskip and Boluda Lines announced that it would jointly launch shortsea container services connecting Santander, Dublin and Liverpool.
