Welcome to the Cluster, LH2 Shipping!
“We believe we all are stronger together and that we by sharing will contribute to enable the green shift in the maritime industry, which will benefit us and other partners.”
LH2 Shipping contributes to a sustainable shipping industry by utilizing liquid hydrogen (LH2) as fuel. Building on the success of M/F Hydra, the world’s first LH2-powered ship (Norled, 2023), the company is now advancing solutions for coastal and shortsea vessels. Key personnel at LH2 Shipping were instrumental in managing the development of M/F Hydra and its bunkering solution.
With maritime hydrogen technology rapidly maturing and becoming more affordable, LH2 Shipping is focused on enabling the safe and cost-effective adoption of LH2-fuelled ships on a global scale. Their approach includes assisting shipowners, collaborating with ship designers and suppliers, managing risk assessments (Alternative Design), developing bunkering solutions, and working closely with LH2 supply chain companies to establish a comprehensive hydrogen value chain.
We spoke with Kim Nguyen, Project Manager at LH2 Shipping, about their mission to deliver safe, cost-effective LH2-fuelled ships and establish a complete hydrogen value chain through collaboration with shipowners and suppliers.
What is LH2 Shipping’s primary focus at the moment?
Our main focus is to develop LH2 powered ships and LH2 bunkering solutions, and in parallel assist in the establishment of maritime LH2 supply chains.
What are the biggest challenges and opportunities for LH2 Shipping?
Challenges: The missing LH2 supply chain. The co-operation with the LH2 suppliers will ensure ship owners/operators availability of fuel and at the same time secure offtake for the LH2 suppliers to invest in larger production facilities that will drive the cost of LH2 down and make it affordable compared to diesel and ammonia.
Opportunities: Zero-emission operations and take part in the creation a fleet of various ship types powered by LH2.
Ivan Østvik and Kim Nguyen, aboard the world’s first hydrogen ferry, Hydra, during its maiden voyage.
What is your primary focus when it comes to sustainability?
Our primary focus when it comes to sustainability is to be an active and valuable contributor to the green shift; that we, with a conscious, knowledge- and technology-oriented attitude, can contribute to drive engagement and development in shipping, with the sound and achievable zero-emission solutions. We have already shown in the work with pioneering technology development and the realization of M/F Hydra as the world's first vessel powered by liquid hydrogen, that this is possible. We are now taking this experience further to other types of vessels, and even though shipping is our primary focus, it is relevant that both we and all other business players can contribute to technology development in a more holistic, global way of thinking.
Why did you decide on becoming a member of Ocean Hyway Cluster?
We believe we all are stronger together and that we by sharing will contribute to enable the green shift in the maritime industry, which will benefit us and other partners.
Do you have any projects you are a part of, a recent contract, or other news?
Several exciting projects are currently underway, showcasing the growing use of hydrogen in maritime applications. Among them is Samskip’s groundbreaking Sea Shuttle project, featuring two container vessels set to operate on liquid hydrogen between Oslo and Rotterdam by 2026. Our role in this project includes developing the onboard LH2 systems and managing the alternative design process, focusing on safety.
Another innovative initiative involves Napier, where we are contributing to the development of a hydrogen system for a harvest/stun and bleed vessel. This vessel will utilize a compressed hydrogen solution, tailored to meet its specific energy requirements and operational profile.
In San Francisco, we are collaborating with Switch Maritime on the development of their next generation of passenger vessels, building on the success of the Sea Change vessel.
And this is just the beginning—stay tuned as we reveal more exciting hydrogen-powered vessels in the near future!
Karoline J Vågsholm
Communications Manager
+47 920 55 369
karoline.vagsholm@oceanhywaycluster.no
LinkedIn