Cochin Shipyard held a steel cutting ceremony for the Samskip SeaShuttle, a next-generation hydrogen fuel cell-powered feeder container vessel for Dutch logistics solutions provider Samskip, marked the official start of the vessel’s construction phase.
Samskip placed an order for 2+2 hydrogen fuel cell-powered feeder container vessels with a total value of Rs. 5.5 billion (approx. $64 million) with Cochin Shipyard India in March 2023, and the first two unites will be delivered in the third and fourth quarter of 2025.
The feeder container vessel is 135 meters long and can carry about 365 45-foot containers. It will be powered by 3.2 MW hydrogen fuel cells with hydrogen fuel storage facilities.
The container vessel is equipped with a MAN 12V175D-MEV variable speed generator set together with a permanent magnet generator to form a diesel-electric propulsion unit for extended endurance. Meanwhile, it is also equipped with an azimuthal propulsion unit for high maneuverability.
In zero-emission mode, the vessel is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 25,000 tons per year. When docked in port, it will use shore power for zero-emission operations.
In addition, ABB will supply power, propulsion and automation packages for the two new shipbuildings. In addition to the integrated hydrogen fuel cell, ABB is also offering including the new compact ABB Shipboard DC Grid Distribution System, which will ensure optimal utilization of energy on board.