CSL purchases MAN GenSets for hydrogen-fueled vessels

Rotterdam-based Samskip Group is constructing two short-sea feeder container ships at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) as part of the SeaShuttle project. These 135-meter-long, 500-teu ships are expected to be among the first in the world to be powered by 3.2 MW hydrogen fuel cell-based energy systems. The ships are scheduled for delivery in late 2025 and will operate between the Oslo Fjord and Rotterdam, covering a distance of around 700 nautical miles. They also have the capability to be operated remotely and autonomously.

ABB has been contracted to supply a power, propulsion, and automation package for the ships, including the integration of hydrogen fuel cells and a new compact version of the ABB Onboard DC Grid power distribution system to optimize energy use on board. It is estimated that each ship will save around 25,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually by utilizing fuel cells and green electricity at the port of call. The project is co-financed by the Norwegian state-owned company ENOVA.

The MAN 12V175D-MEV variable speed GenSets will serve as a backup and form a diesel-electric propulsion system with a permanent magnet generator for the ships. The engine is designed for low fuel consumption and low emissions, and it is approved for operation with biofuels such as FAME and HVO. Florian Keiler, Head of High Speed at MAN Energy Solutions, congratulated Samskip and CSL on the groundbreaking project and expressed excitement about working together.

Source .