Hydrogen energy systems supplier eCap Marine confirms that it has been awarded a follow-on contract by Norway's GMI (Green Maritime Infrastructure) for the supply of integrated hydrogen power systems for two additional newbuild bulk carriers.

The vessels, each with a deadweight capacity of approximately 3,000 DWT, are to be constructed by Shogule Shipyard Pvt Ltd in India and are scheduled to enter service in 2029, after which they will primarily operate in Norwegian coastal waters.

The contract builds on an existing collaboration between GMI and eCap Marine in zero-emission shipping. Under the scope of supply, eCap Marine will provide its eCap H2EPS (hydrogen-based energy power system) for both vessels. This includes compressed hydrogen storage systems, proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell technology with an output of 1.2 MW per vessel, and the associated power management, control and safety systems for maritime applications.

Norway has been a focus market for zero-emission propulsion technologies, particularly for operations in coastal and fjord regions where environmental sensitivities have driven regulatory and commercial interest in cleaner alternatives to conventional marine fuels.

Torstein Holvik, CEO of GMI, said: “Our ambition is to become a leading owner of hydrogen-powered vessels. These newbuilds are another important step in that direction, and we are pleased to continue this journey with eCap Marine.”

Lars Ravens, Managing Director of eCap Marine, said: “The renewed order from GMI demonstrates the growing confidence in hydrogen as a viable solution for maritime applications. We are pleased to support GMI’s ambition and bring our experience from previous projects into these new vessels.”

Based in Germany, eCap Marine is a provider of hydrogen-based maritime propulsion systems, serving a range of vessel types and applications.