Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore has signed a contract with Gelibolu Shipyard and eCap Marine to classify 2+2 hydrogen-powered cargo vessels being built for Norwegian shipowner Møre Sjø AS.

The project represents the first general cargo ships in BV class to use hydrogen propulsion.

The vessels will measure 88.7 meters in length and 14.2 meters in breadth, with a maximum draft of six meters and an estimated gross tonnage of 3,750. They are designed to transport heavy and occasional dry bulk cargoes under the Norwegian flag.

The ships will integrate a high-pressure hydrogen power system, battery pack, and electric propulsion. On delivery, the vessels are being designed to meet requirements for Bureau Veritas's HYDROGENFUEL-PREPARED notation.

eCap Marine is designing the hydrogen power system and will handle installation, commissioning, and execution of the Alternative Design Approval process. Bureau Veritas will be involved throughout the review and approval process. Once completed, the vessels will be eligible for the HYDROGENFUEL notation.

The vessels are intended to be classed with additional notations including Cyber Resilient, Unrestricted Navigation, AUT-UMS, In-Water Survey, and OPS (On-shore power system). These standards are designed to ensure the vessels meet requirements for safety, performance, and operational flexibility while operating as zero-emission vessels.

Matthieu de Tugny, Executive Vice President, Industrials and Commodities at Bureau Veritas, commented: "This project marks an important step in advancing hydrogen as an alternative fuel for general cargo shipping. By working together with Gelibolu Shipyard, eCap Marine, and Møre Sjø AS, we are helping to ensure the safe and reliable deployment of new technologies, combining efficiency with readiness for future fuels."

Torstein Holsvik, Managing Director of Møre Sjø, remarked: "Our ambition is to build Norway's leading zero-emission shipping company for coastal freight — a profitable, scalable, and disruptive company with a clear green profile as its competitive advantage."