Groundbreaking contracts for hydrogen-powered vessels
Since 2021, Longship Fund II has been the owner of SEAM and has supported the development of the company that is experiencing great interest.
– We already have a market-leading position in Norway in the electrification of ferries and ships. With good support from our owner, we have also invested in the development of propulsion systems with hydrogen as an energy carrier. This has been successful. The deep technical expertise we have developed has been crucial for our recent selection as the supplier to two of the most exciting hydrogen projects in the maritime sector, says Gunvald Mortvedt, CEO of SEAM.
The world’s first ammonia-powered tugboat
The first project involves the US-based company Amogy, which is creating the world’s first ammonia-powered tugboat, to be launched in late 2023 in New York. The vessel will run on energy from hydrogen, and SEAM has been selected to convert the vessel’s original diesel generators and electric motors to Amogy’s self-developed ammonia-based and emission-free power system. Yara Clean Ammonia (YCA) will supply green ammonia to the boats, making Norwegian technology fundamental to the implementation of this project.
Pål G. Eide, head of research and development at SEAM, believes this project can kick-start a new era of green technology in the maritime industry.
– We are very happy to work with the Amogy team and have great confidence in their solution. This collaboration could result in technology that will have a significant impact on the sector’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions. Our strengths lie in adapting solutions and enabling ship-owners to achieve their energy efficiency goals with future-ready technology. This project is a prime example of that, says Eide.
This collaboration could result in technology that will have a significant impact on the sector’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions.
The world’s first hydrogen-powered long-distance ferry
The second project involves Norway’s longest ferry route in Vestfjorden, where Torghatten, together with SEAM, will deliver the world’s first hydrogen-powered long-distance ferry.
– We are proud to be Torghatten’s partner in this groundbreaking project. Together, we will show that large-scale hydrogen vessels are possible and that the technology and expertise to implement this exist in Norway. This is a new and important step in ensuring zero-emission in the Norwegian ferry fleet, says Gunvald Mortvedt.
The hydrogen ferries will have a significant impact on the climate by reducing CO2 emissions in the Vestfjorden route by 26,500 tons per year, equivalent to 13,000 diesel cars.
Eirik Olsen, director of operations at Torghatten Nord, states: Norway has the will, expertise, and experience needed to realize our zero-emission ambitions and develop world-leading solutions for maritime operations. Our Norwegian partners are at the forefront of both design and development of energy-efficient ships and technology, and this project will contribute greatly to important skills development within maritime, electrical, automation, and engineering fields. We are pleased to have SEAM on our team in this project.
Torghatten, together with SEAM, will deliver the world’s first hydrogen-powered long-distance ferry to operate on Norway’s longest ferry connection across Vestfjorden.
