Recently, Norwegian shipowner EDGE Navigation signed an agreement with DNV to jointly develop a classification framework for a 20,000-cubic-meter-class oceangoing liquid hydrogen (LH2) carrier.
The vessel, currently under joint development by EDGE Navigation and its selected shipyard, is specifically designed for European offshore liquid hydrogen transport routes. It will feature a zero-emission hydrogen-powered propulsion system to meet the clean transportation demands of renewable energy supply chains.
Under the agreement, EDGE will provide operational requirements and technical solutions, leading the conceptual and basic design development, while DNV will evaluate the design outcomes and conduct classification certification based on its own standards.
EDGE stated that this collaboration aims to unlock the potential of liquid hydrogen maritime transport, accelerate the commercialization of zero-emission hydrogen propulsion systems, and facilitate the delivery of green hydrogen to European and global markets as a replacement for grey hydrogen. This initiative will support industrial decarbonization, particularly in “hard-to-abate sectors.”
Jakob Tolstrup-Møller, CEO of EDGE Navigation, said: “It is an honor for EDGE to collaborate with DNV on this project. Achieving cost-effective hydrogen shipping is crucial for securing future energy supply and decarbonizing all hard-to-abate industrial activities. This partnership brings together the core competencies needed to lead the industry into a new era of energy shipping.”
Tuva Flagstad-Andersen, Vice President and Regional Manager of DNV Northern Europe, commented: “We are delighted to work with EDGE Navigation on this liquid hydrogen carrier concept. Their actions demonstrate a strong commitment to zero-emission shipping. By engaging early in the design phase, we can ensure safety, compliance, and technical integrity from the outset. We look forward to this collaboration and ultimately providing the necessary classification certification to make these LH2 carriers a reality.”
In parallel, EDGE Navigation recently signed a letter of intent with the Port of Rotterdam Authority in the Netherlands to jointly develop future-ready maritime liquid hydrogen infrastructure, focusing on policies, procedures, and regulatory frameworks for hydrogen delivery models such as ship-to-shore and ship-to-ship operations.
EDGE Navigation is a shipping industry startup headquartered in Oslo, Norway. The company specializes in developing commercial vessels powered by non-fossil fuels to facilitate the transition to renewable energy.
