Norwegian shipping company Møre Sjø has placed an order for a pair of hydrogen-powered bulk carriers at Turkey’s Gelibolu Shipyard.

The 4,000 dwt newbuilds slated for delivery in 2027 will feature hydrogen fuel cells and battery propulsion systems.

The Ørsta-based company currently operates two 1983- and 1984-built bulk carriers on the Møre coast, transporting sand, stone, asphalt mix and other specialised cargo on fixed contracts.

One of the newbuilds, both of which have been designed by Naval Dynamics, will, following delivery, go on a contract with compatriot Nordasfalt.

The price for both newbuilds has not been divulged. The overall project is backed by Enova with around NOK85m ($8.5m) and the NOx Fund, as well as financial assistance from NRP and technical assistance from the Green Shipping Program.

“We have developed this project over several years, received good support and found a concept for the new ships that we have great faith in. Existing bulk carriers are outdated, and we therefore had to think completely new. After a careful assessment of technology maturity, cost-effectiveness and secure access to fuel, the choice fell on hydrogen ships with hydrogen fuel cells,” said Torstein Holsvik, technical director at Møre Sjø.