European logistics company Samskip has selected Norwegian Hydrogen as its preferred supplier of liquid green hydrogen (LH2) for its upcoming SeaShuttle container vessels. The strategic move aims to break the “chicken-and-egg” dilemma in the hydrogen economy and decarbonize the Rotterdam-Oslo shipping route.
The agreement sets a notable benchmark for maritime innovation, as SeaShuttle vessels will become the world’s first hydrogen-powered container ships. Both parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding to further collaborate on Friday, 5 December 2025.
Supported by a Norwegian Enova Fund grant, the initiative anchors Samskip’s “Net-Zero by 2040” strategy. Securing the supply chain, Samskip and Norwegian Hydrogen advance the demonstration of liquid hydrogen sourced from renewable energy.
“A Critical Enabler”
The collaboration marks an innovative breakthrough for sustainable logistics in Europe. Samskip CEO Ólafur Orri Ólafsson highlights the pursuit of a forward-thinking energy partnership to advance their climate ambitions.
Our partnership with Norwegian Hydrogen is an important step toward Net-Zero emissions by 2040. Hydrogen is critical to deep decarbonization in short-sea shipping, and Norwegian Hydrogen’s capabilities support our ambition. Together, we prepare the energy supply for SeaShuttle and help accelerate sustainable logistics across Europe.
Ólafur Orri Ólafsson, CEO of Samskip
Powered by the Rjukan LH2 Project
Norwegian Hydrogen’s Rjukan production plant will supply the liquid green hydrogen. The facility recently secured major funding, including a EUR 31.5 million EU Innovation Fund grant, EUR 13.2 million via the EU Hydrogen Auction, and NOK 100 million from Innovation Norway.
With zoning approvals and a long-term power agreement from Tinn Energi & Fiber, the Rjukan plant proceeds to construction. Hydrogen shipments to SeaShuttle vessels are projected to begin in 2028.
Breaking the Deadlock
The partnership tackles the common obstacle in the hydrogen sector: insufficient supply stifles demand, and vice versa. By naming a preferred supplier, Samskip’s demand signals are essential for scaling production.
Jens Berge, CEO of Norwegian Hydrogen, highlights the value of having a committed first-mover like Samskip.
We appreciate Samskip’s first-mover determination in decarbonizing short-sea container shipping. Our tailored project now enables Samskip to proceed exclusively with us.
Jens Berge, CEO of Norwegian Hydrogen
Berge notes that the Rjukan LH2 project is precisely scaled and ideally located to deliver liquid green hydrogen not only to maritime customers but also to pioneering industrial customers across a wide region at competitive prices.
Contact for more information:
Jens Berge, CEO, Norwegian Hydrogen
Email: jens.berge@nh2.no
Mobile: +47 90 55 13 55
Florens Tegelaar, Head of Marketing Communications, Samskip
Email: florens.tegelaar@samskip.com
Phone: +31 88 400 1179