LH2 Shipping has received NOK 344.3 million in Enova support to develop two additional liquid hydrogen-powered bulk carriers, expanding its hydrogen vessel portfolio to six projects. The StrandBulk vessels will enable zero-emission short-sea shipping while supporting the development of Norway’s liquid hydrogen maritime ecosystem.
Bergen | June 16, 2026 – Norwegian maritime technology company LH2 Shipping has secured NOK 344.3 million in funding support from Enova SF to develop and construct two additional liquid hydrogen (LH₂)-powered bulk carriers, marking another major step toward commercial zero-emission shipping in the short-sea segment.
The latest award expands LH2 Shipping’s growing portfolio of hydrogen-powered vessel projects and brings the company closer to its ambition of establishing a scalable maritime liquid hydrogen value chain. With the addition of the two new vessels, LH2 Shipping is now involved in the development of six hydrogen-powered bulk carrier projects, supported by a combined Enova contribution exceeding NOK 800 million.
Scaling Liquid Hydrogen for Commercial Shipping
The new vessels will be developed under the StrandBulk project, which aims to deliver two 7,700 DWT liquid hydrogen-powered bulk carriers designed for short-sea transportation of bulk and general cargo between Norway, continental Europe and the Baltic region.
The vessels will operate entirely on liquid hydrogen as their primary energy source and are designed to achieve year-round zero-emission operation. LH2 Shipping said the project represents a transition from demonstration-scale hydrogen applications toward commercially deployable vessels capable of supporting real-world cargo operations.
Ivan Østvik, CEO of LH2 Shipping, said the funding represents a significant milestone for the company’s hydrogen strategy.
“This award is an important strategic milestone for LH2 Shipping. It strengthens our position as a developer of liquid hydrogen-based zero-emission vessel solutions and brings us yet another step closer to our ambition of enabling a substantial fleet of hydrogen-powered vessels that can help establish a complete maritime liquid hydrogen value chain.”
Advanced Hydrogen Vessel Design
The StrandBulk vessels will feature advanced energy systems designed to maximize efficiency and operational flexibility. Each vessel will measure approximately 108.2 meters in length and 18.1 meters in width and will be equipped with:
- A 17-tonne liquid hydrogen storage system
- 3,400 kW PEM fuel cell capacity
- A 3 MWh battery system for energy management and port operations
- Shore power capability for loading and unloading operations
- Backup diesel/biodiesel generator capability for contingency operations
The vessels will use liquid hydrogen supplied through planned bunkering operations with Gen2 Energy in Mosjøen, Norway. The project design also includes optimized hull lines, propulsion improvements, lightweight structural solutions and advanced energy-management systems aimed at reducing energy consumption.
LH2 Shipping expects the vessels to achieve at least 30% lower energy consumption compared with conventional vessels in the same segment. Additional efficiency measures, including solar panels installed on cargo hatches, are expected to provide further energy savings.
Building the Future of Zero-Emission Short-Sea Shipping
The development of hydrogen-powered vessels is gaining momentum as shipowners and cargo owners face increasing pressure to reduce emissions from maritime operations. LH2 Shipping believes liquid hydrogen can become a practical solution for segments where battery-electric propulsion is limited by vessel size, range requirements and operational demands.
The company’s projects build on experience gained from the pilot vessel MF Hydra, which demonstrated the safety and operational viability of liquid hydrogen as a marine fuel. The new bulk carriers will scale this technology into commercial cargo operations, providing ship operators with a pathway to reduce carbon emissions while meeting future regulatory requirements.
Enova: First Movers Are Essential for Maritime Transition
Enova highlighted the importance of supporting early adopters of emerging clean technologies within the maritime industry.
Elin Ulstad Stokland, Head of Hydrogen and Ammonia Initiatives at Enova, said:
“If we are to succeed in the transition to low and zero emission solutions in the maritime sector, we depend on players who dare to go first. LH2 Shipping shows how shipping companies can take the lead and adopt new technology.”
According to Enova, projects such as LH2 Shipping’s hydrogen vessels play a critical role in accelerating technology development, reducing emissions and creating market confidence around alternative fuels.
Supporting Norway’s Maritime Decarbonization Goals
The StrandBulk project aligns with Norway’s broader ambition to become a leader in clean maritime technology and accelerate the adoption of zero-emission solutions. As carbon pricing mechanisms such as the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and FuelEU Maritime regulation continue to increase pressure on conventional fuels, the commercial value of zero-emission vessels is expected to rise.
LH2 Shipping believes hydrogen-powered vessels will become increasingly competitive as infrastructure develops and the cost gap between fossil and alternative fuels narrows.
About LH2 Shipping
LH2 Shipping is a Bergen-based maritime company specializing in liquid hydrogen-powered vessel solutions for cargo, offshore and passenger shipping applications. Founded in 2023, the company develops scalable zero-emission technologies aimed at helping shipowners meet future environmental requirements. LH2 Shipping also serves as project lead for the development and commissioning of the world’s first liquid hydrogen-powered vessel, MF Hydra, operated by Norled.
Through its work across vessel design, fuel systems, operations and infrastructure development, LH2 Shipping aims to accelerate the adoption of practical hydrogen solutions across the maritime industry.
Source: LH2 Shipping