PowerCell Group, a Gothenburg-based fuel cell manufacturer listed on Nasdaq Stockholm, has secured a contract to supply fuel cell systems for two liquid hydrogen-powered cargo ships being built by Norwegian LH2 Shipping AS, the Swedish firm announced on 25 June.

The contract is valued at approximately SEK 50m and covers 4 MW of installed power based on PowerCell's Marine System 225 platform. Deliveries are scheduled to be completed by 2028. The two parties also intend to establish a long-term service agreement covering future service revenues over the vessels' operational lifetime.

The vessels are designed for shortsea operation in the North Sea. Marine System 225 has received marine type approval from Lloyd's Register and RINA, and PowerCell says it intends to complete DNV type approval for the platform in connection with this project.

Stig Kallestad, commercial director at PowerCell Group, commented: "This project demonstrates how fuel cells are increasingly being considered for larger and more demanding maritime applications. We continue to see growing interest from shipowners seeking solutions that combine operational performance, emissions reductions and long-term compliance with future regulations. We are proud to support LH2 Shipping in bringing this project forward."

Ivan Oestvik, CEO of LH2 Shipping, remarked: "This partnership with PowerCell will strengthen the execution capability of several projects currently under development and further reinforce the industrialisation of hydrogen-based zero-emission vessels. As the maritime industry now moves from demonstration projects towards commercial deployment, strong technology partnerships such as this are essential to reducing risk, accelerating delivery, and enabling broader market adoption."

According to PowerCell, the order expands the deployment of Marine System 225 into new maritime applications and strengthens the company's position within the market for zero-emission shipping. The company says it sees value not only in fuel cell technology itself, but also in the integration and optimisation of complete energy systems. Through its Marine System platform and Distributed Master Controller technology, PowerCell claims to enable fuel cells, batteries and other onboard energy sources to operate as part of a vessel energy architecture.

Richard Berkling, CEO of PowerCell Group, stated: "The maritime industry is still in the early stages of its energy transition, but the pace is clearly increasing. Investments in hydrogen infrastructure, vessel development and regulatory frameworks are beginning to translate into real projects and real vessels. This order is another important step for both PowerCell and the wider maritime industry as fuel cells become part of practical vessel energy systems."