Samskip moves forward with Norwegian Hydrogen as its preferred supplier of liquid green hydrogen
The SeaShuttles will be the very first hydrogen-powered container vessels in the world and will operate Samskip’s route between Rotterdam and Oslo. Samskip’s investment in hydrogen reflects its ambitious climate and sustainability goals and follows the recent verification of Samskip’s “Net-Zero by 2040” target by the Science-Based Targets initiative, and the EcoVadis Platinum medal that ranked Samskip at Top 1% in sustainability performance in 2024. Supported by a grant from the Norwegian Enova Fund, the SeaShuttles will demonstrate the feasibility of operating on liquid hydrogen produced from sustainable energy.
The hydrogen will be delivered from Norwegian Hydrogen’s liquid hydrogen production plant in Rjukan, Norway. The company recently announced a grant of EUR 31.5 million from the 2025 EU Innovation Fund Call for the Rjukan LH project, to establish a complete value chain for production, distribution and bunkering of liquefied hydrogen. This grant comes in addition to the previously announced support of EUR 13.2 million via the EU Hydrogen Auction towards operating costs, as well as a combination of grants and green loans totalling NOK 100 million from Innovation Norway.
Norwegian Hydrogen’s Rjukan LH2 project has secured the required connection to the Norwegian power-grid for access to the renewable electricity required for operating the plant, which will be provided under a long-term power purchase agreement with Tinn Energi & Fiber. The zoning plan for the project plot has also been approved by the municipal authorities, and the company is in the final phases of selecting suppliers for provision of key equipment, components and services to construct the plant. Hydrogen deliveries are expected to start in 2028.
The hydrogen economy has long been constrained by a classic “chicken-and-egg” dilemma: lack of demand hinders investment in production, while lack of supply discourages demand. Through this strategic collaboration, Samskip and Norwegian Hydrogen are breaking that deadlock and taking a major step toward scaling hydrogen-powered logistics across Europe.
"Hydrogen is a critical enabler for deep decarbonization in short-sea shipping, and Norwegian Hydrogen has demonstrated the capability and commitment needed to support our ambition. Together, we are not only preparing the energy supply for our SeaShuttle vessels, we are also helping accelerate the transition to sustainable logistics across Europe" says Ólafur Orri Ólafsson.
"We are deeply grateful for Samskip’s support and first-mover determination, leading the way in decarbonising short-sea container shipping", adds Jens Berge, CEO of Norwegian Hydrogen. "It is reassuring to see that our efforts to create a project that meets Samskip’s requirements are now yielding tangible results, enabling Samskip to proceed exclusively with us from this point. Right-sized and with all critical elements in place, the Rjukan LH2 project is ideally positioned for delivery of liquid green hydrogen to early adopters within maritime, industry, and other sectors, covering a large geographical area at a highly attractive price point".
About Samskip
Samskip offers international, more environmentally conscious combined transport services via shortsea, road, rail and inland waterway routes. We are committed to cost-effectiveness, operational excellence, and best practice in sustainable transport. High frequency services connect destinations across Europe, the Baltic States, Iceland and Faroes Island, both door-to-door (including collection) and quay-to-quay, transported using a wide range of owned vessels, containers, trucks and trailers.
