Rotterdam-Oslo Green Shipping Corridor to Launch with Samskip Hydrogen Ships

The City of Rotterdam and the City of Oslo have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the objective of establishing a fresh Green Corridor designed for short sea shipping. This corridor will be serviced by Samskip's cutting-edge, zero-emission SeaShuttle vessels, marking a substantial milestone for the maritime sector and reflecting the dedication of two prominent European hub ports to expedite the transition toward environmentally friendly short sea shipping.

Samskip is playing a pivotal role in this endeavor, with their next generation SeaShuttle vessels at the forefront of this pioneering initiative. These vessels are poised to become among the world's inaugural zero-emission short sea container ships to operate using green hydrogen as their primary fuel source. Green hydrogen is a product of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, serving as an eco-friendly and sustainable fuel option that eliminates emissions.

This novel green corridor will introduce a weekly service loop connecting Rotterdam to ports within the Oslofjord region, effectively establishing an end-to-end corridor service. By harnessing the power of zero-emission hydrogen ships, this initiative promises a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions associated with short sea shipping in the region. Additionally, these vessels will leave no air pollutants in their wake, contributing to improved air quality in port cities and coastal communities. Furthermore, the advanced design of these vessels is expected to deliver higher energy efficiency when compared to conventional ships, leading to reduced fuel costs and lessened environmental impact.

The collaborative effort to create this green corridor between Rotterdam and Oslo is not only a noteworthy achievement for the maritime industry but also a significant stride toward a more environmentally conscious future. It signifies the unwavering commitment of two influential hub ports and a leading shipping company to expedite the green evolution of short sea shipping, addressing both environmental concerns and the need for sustainable practices in the sector.