Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) has ordered 2 × 2 MAN 12V175D-MEV variable-speed gensets for two short-sea feeder container vessels which will be powered by individual 3.2 MW hydrogen fuel-cell-based energy systems.
The vessels are being built under the SeaShuttle project and the MAN gensets will act as a back-up to the fuel cell energy systems, forming a diesel-electric propulsion plant with a permanent magnet generator.
The 135-metre, 500 TEU ships are due for delivery in Q3 and Q4 2025, respectively, and will operate between Oslo Fjord and Rotterdam, a distance of approximately 700 nautical miles. They will also be capable of being remotely controlled and will be delivered as autonomous-ready.
Are Gråthen, CEO, Samskip Norway, commented: ‘Samskip is very proud to take the lead role in pioneering the SeaShuttle initiative as part of its ‘making green logistics easy’ strategy. [This] provides a platform to make emissions-free container shipping a reality. […] In line with commitments given at COP26 Clydebank Declaration, SeaShuttle would create what amounted to one of Europe’s first zero-emission “green corridors”.’
The 175D is a variable-speed genset and the high-speed engines will each come integrated with compact, closed-loop MAN SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) systems.
Florian Keiler, Head of High Speed, MAN Energy Solutions, said: ‘This is a groundbreaking project, which sets new standards for environmentally friendly shipping. In that vein, our engines are capable of running on biofuels like HVO and B100 and showcase our green credentials in pursuing decarbonisation.
‘We congratulate Samskip and CSL on this exciting venture and look forward to working closely with them.’
