LH2 Shipping has secured NOK 344.3 million ($33 million) in support from Enova for the development and construction of two additional liquid hydrogen-powered bulk carriers.
The latest funding award increases LH2 Shipping’s hydrogen-powered bulker portfolio to six vessels, further advancing efforts to introduce zero-emission technology into commercial shortsea shipping operations.
According to the company, the projects form part of a wider strategy to develop commercially viable hydrogen-powered vessels alongside the supporting bunkering and fuel infrastructure required for broader industry adoption.
The award builds on earlier Enova-backed initiatives and reflects growing interest in liquid hydrogen as a potential low-emission fuel pathway for shortsea shipping as the sector faces mounting decarbonisation pressure.
Ivan Østvik, Chief Executive Officer, LH2 Shipping, said: “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.”
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Since launching its first hydrogen-powered bulker projects, LH2 Shipping has focused on moving beyond pilot concepts towards commercially deployable vessels.
The latest additions are expected to support further development in vessel design, onboard fuel systems, operations and supporting infrastructure.
The funding will also indirectly support additional zero-emission maritime projects, including passenger transport and offshore vessel applications, aligned with Norway’s wider maritime decarbonisation targets.
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Elin Ulstad Stokland, Head of Hydrogen and Ammonia Initiatives, Enova, stated: “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. This is crucial to accelerating development and reducing emissions from shipping.”
Total Enova support across LH2 Shipping’s six-vessel programme now exceeds NOK 800 million ($77 million), underlining continued momentum behind hydrogen-powered shipping projects in Norway.
While large-scale hydrogen adoption across shipping remains at an early stage, LH2 Shipping said continued vessel deployment, infrastructure investment and industry collaboration will be critical to scaling zero-emission maritime operations.
