Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) has signed a contract with Turkey’s Gelibolu Shipyard and Germany’s eCap Marine for the classification of two hydrogen-powered general cargo vessels, with an option for two more, to be built for Norwegian shipowner Møre Sjø.
The vessels will be the first general cargo ships in BV’s class to feature hydrogen propulsion. They will incorporate a high-pressure hydrogen power system, a battery pack and electric propulsion. Each vessel will be 88.7m long, 14.2m wide and have a maximum draft of 6m, with an estimated gross tonnage of 3,750. They are designed to transport heavy and occasional dry bulk cargo under the Norwegian flag.
The ships are being built to comply with BV’s HydrogenFuel-Prepared notation, which certifies readiness for hydrogen use. eCap Marine is developing the hydrogen system and will handle its installation, commissioning and the alternative design approval process. BV will oversee design review and approval to ensure safe and reliable integration. Once the vessels are in service, they are expected to be eligible for BV’s HydrogenFuel notation.
Alongside their hydrogen capability, the ships will carry additional notations including Cyber Resilient, Unrestricted Navigation, AUT-UMS, In-Water Survey and OPS (On-shore Power System). These classifications will confirm compliance with standards for safety, automation, cyber resilience and environmental performance, supporting zero-emission operation.
Matthieu de Tugny, executive vice president, industrials and commodities at Bureau Veritas, said, “This project marks an important step in advancing hydrogen as an alternative fuel for general cargo shipping. By working together with Gelibolu Shipyard, eCap Marine and Møre Sjø, we are helping to ensure the safe and reliable deployment of new technologies, combining efficiency with readiness for future fuels.”
Torstein Holsvik, managing director of Møre Sjø, added, “Our ambition is to build Norway’s leading zero-emission shipping company for coastal freight – a profitable, scalable and disruptive company with a clear green profile as its competitive advantage.”
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