Hydrogen Fuel Cells Will Propel the World’s First Zero-Emission Bulk Carriers

Sweden’s PowerCell Group has landed a contract just north of SEK 40 million to outfit two 85-meter bulk carriers for GMI Rederi AS with hydrogen fuel cell systems. Each vessel will sport seven 225 kW Marine System 225 modules—adding up to over 3 MW of clean power—and is slated to launch along Norway’s fjord-lined coast in early 2027. It’ll be the world’s first hydrogen-powered bulk carrier duo.

Project backing and tech partners

This venture rides on Norway’s Green Shipping Programme, backed by grants from government-owned Enova and the NOx Fund. German specialist eCap Marine takes care of the hydrogen storage design, piping and electrical integration, plus classification certification under Lloyd’s Register Type Approval. The modular fuel cell stacks convert green hydrogen straight into electricity, spitting out only water vapor—zero CO₂ or NOx emissions.

The promise of hydrogen fuel cells

Bulk carriers have long gulped down heavy fuel oil, burning thousands of tonnes every year. Swapping to hydrogen fuel cells isn’t just about cleaner air; it also boosts efficiency at partial loads, cuts engine noise, and banishes exhaust pollutants altogether. This shift hits right in line with IMO targets to slash maritime greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2050 and satisfies Norway’s strict fjord-area air quality rules.

Clearing hurdles

No sugar-coating it, though: hydrogen bunkering infrastructure is still taking baby steps, and producing green hydrogen via electrolysis costs more than traditional marine fuels. On top of that, crews need specialized training for safe handling, and classification rules are still evolving. Data from sea trials and early voyages starting in 2027 will be gold for gauging uptime, maintenance quirks, and the overall cost of ownership.

Setting sail to zero-emission technology

If GMI Rederi’s hydrogen fleet sails smoothly, it could spur a wave of fuel cell technology adoption across container ships, ferries, and offshore vessels. Ports might fast-track investments in hydrogen terminals, and producers could scale up electrolysis to meet marine demand. In an industry under mounting regulatory pressure, these bulkers offer a concrete blueprint for zero-emission technology and pave the way for a truly sustainable energy future.