The order includes 14 of PowerCell’s Marine System 225 units, providing over 3 MW of power, with the deliveries scheduled for 2026 – 2027, to be built by GMI Rederi.
Each of the two bulk carrier vessels will be fitted with seven Marine System 225 units, enabling them to operate entirely without emissions by replacing fossil fuels with renewable hydrogen. When launched in 2027, the vessels will be the world’s first hydrogen-powered bulk carriers. Each Marine System 225 unit provides efficient, vibration-free power, enabling operators to adopt hydrogen-electric technology with confidence. Additionally, the unit system has also received Type Approval from Lloyd’s Register.
This order builds on the strong momentum of the Marine System 225, now being deployed across an even wider range of applications in the maritime sector. The expansion to the bulk sector signals the ability of fuel cells to operate in demanding environments across the whole of shipping.
GMI Rederi is developing the vessels, while the engineering, integration and certification process for the hydrogen system will be handled by eCap Marine, a German ship integrator specialising in green propulsion solutions. PowerCell will also provide engineering support.
“This project shows just how far the Marine System 225 has come in proving itself as a reliable and competitive solution across shipping segments” said Stig Kallestad, Marine Director at PowerCell Group. “Bulk carriers are demanding applications, and the fact that our technology is chosen here demonstrates that hydrogen fuel cells are no longer just pilots, they are real solutions for real operations.”
PowerCell’s Marine System 225 is a compact fuel cell system delivering 225 kW of clean electric power with zero emissions. Designed for marine environments, it combines high efficiency, low noise, and easy installation while maintaining a small footprint. Scalable to megawatt outputs, the system supports the electrification of various marine applications and is fuel-flexible, capable of operating on reformed renewable fuels for sustainable maritime operations.
“Existing bulk carriers are outdated, and we needed to think completely anew” added Torstein Holsvik, CEO at GMI Rederi. “After careful evaluation of technology maturity, fuel availability, and cost-effectiveness, we chose compressed hydrogen with fuel cells as the most future-ready solution.”
With this order, PowerCell further reinforces its position as a leading supplier of fuel cell solutions for hard-to-abate sectors such as marine, aviation, and power generation, delivering tangible projects that accelerate the transition to sustainable energy.
“We continue to expand the use of our Marine System 225, and with GMI Rederi we are now moving into bulk carriers, a new and important segment in shipping” said Richard Berkling, CEO of PowerCell Group. “Regulatory frameworks such as the EU ETS and IMO requirements are pushing the break-even point in favour of hydrogen fuel cells, making them a competitive and future-ready choice for operators. This is not only about two ships; it is about setting a new standard for zero-emission maritime transport.”
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