ABB Powers Samskip's Hydrogen Ships

ABB India Limited has recently secured an order from the Netherlands-based global logistics company, Samskip, to provide an extensive power distribution system for two innovative short-sea container ships. These vessels will be pioneers in using hydrogen as their primary fuel source, marking a significant step toward decarbonizing the shipping industry. Hydrogen fuel cell technology is gaining prominence as a promising solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance energy efficiency in the maritime sector. ABB, a leading electrification and automation company, will supply Samskip with a compact version of its ABB Onboard DC Grid? power distribution system to optimize energy utilization onboard. Additionally, ABB's energy storage solution control, the Ability? System 800xA, will be integrated into the project. The vessels will benefit from enhanced safety and performance, including 24/7 remote support through ABB's Ability? Remote Diagnostic Systems. Juha Koskela, Division President of ABB Marine & Ports, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, emphasizing its potential to mitigate emissions and reduce operational costs. Cochin Shipyard Ltd is responsible for constructing these two 135-meter ships, with delivery scheduled for the third and fourth quarters of 2025. The project is financially supported by the Norwegian state enterprise ENOVA, and the vessels will operate between Oslo Fjord and Rotterdam, covering a distance of approximately 700 nautical miles, aligning with the International Maritime Organization's revised greenhouse gas reduction strategy. Samskip's ships will be equipped with 3.2 MW hydrogen fuel cells, complemented by diesel generators for backup power. This innovative approach is expected to enable each vessel to avoid emitting around 25,000 tons of CO2 annually, mainly achieved by utilizing fuel cells and greenshore power when docking at the port of call. Madhu S Nair, Chairman and Managing Director of Cochin Shipyard Limited, expressed pride in partnering with ABB to strengthen their position as pioneers in sustainable technology and support India's aspiration to become a global hub for constructing eco-friendly ships.