Sperry Marine will supply Integrated Bridge Systems for two hydrogen-powered, autonomous-ready container ships ordered by Samskip. The vessels, under construction in India, will combine zero-emission propulsion with navigation technology built for the future.
Sperry Marine has been chosen to deliver Integrated Bridge Systems (IBS) for two hydrogen-powered container ships ordered by Samskip Group, marking a first for vessels that combine zero-emission propulsion with autonomous-ready navigation.
The 135-meter ships are being built at Cochin Shipyard Limited in India and are scheduled for delivery in 2027. They will operate between Oslo Fjord and Rotterdam as part of a green corridor initiative. Once in service, the vessels are expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 25,000 tons per year when running on green hydrogen.
At the owner’s request, Sperry Marine’s systems have been designed with open architecture, which allows future integration of autonomous navigation technologies as the industry moves toward automation. The IBS package includes Sperry’s new NAVIPILOT 4500N autopilot, which adapts to changing vessel conditions for fuel efficiency and reduced bridge workload. Advanced ARPA tracking and Secure Maritime Gateway cyber protection are also part of the delivery, along with remote diagnostics and support.
“Samskip’s level of ambition on emissions requires partners like Sperry Marine, with similar objectives for innovation and the willingness to invest in the future,” said Jeroen Hollebrands, Head of Newbuilding and Projects at Samskip Group. “These ships are a milestone for the maritime industry, delivering hydrogen fuel cells and autonomous-ready navigation as a clean and renewable technology.”
Pascal Göllnitz, Sperry Marine’s Product Line Manager for Integrated Bridge Systems, said the flexible design is a key differentiator. “What sets this IBS apart is its open and flexible architecture, combined with Sperry Marine’s resilient sensor technology and robust cyber protection. This creates a secure and future-proof navigation platform, ready for today’s hydrogen powered operation and tomorrow’s autonomous services.”
The ships will also feature a tracking system that operates independently from radar video, allowing consistent performance even in difficult conditions and offering ranges of up to 40 nautical miles. This capability is aimed at improving early awareness among bridge teams.
Guy Millard, Managing Director at Sperry Marine, said the contract highlights growing demand for navigation solutions that support both efficiency and sustainability. “Sperry Marine is proud to collaborate with Samskip and Cochin Shipyard Limited on this transformative project. This contract demonstrates how our navigation technologies are sought out by the maritime industry’s true innovators in ship safety, efficiency, and sustainability.”
The project positions Samskip’s newbuilds as the world’s first ships to combine hydrogen fuel cells with autonomous-ready navigation. By building vessels that can evolve alongside new regulations and technology, both Samskip and Sperry Marine see the project as a step toward a cleaner and more connected future in shipping.
