Samskip connects Rotterdam, Oslofjord, and UK with new shortsea service

The intra-European shortsea multimodal operator Samskip has launched a dedicated shortsea service between Rotterdam, Oslofjord, and the UK.

Samskip made the announcement after the successful departures of the first three vessels from Samskip’s Matrans Terminal, Rotterdam, en route to Norway.

“We attribute the seamless service thus far to the teamwork from all our partners and the continuous support from our esteemed customer base,” the company said.

The new service includes three port calls in Oslo, two port calls in Moss and one call per week in Kristiansand, Larvik, Fredrikstad and Brevik.

“We are focusing on three main objectives this year. The further expansion of our already extensive network, to boost our services and support for our customers, and becoming an even more sustainable organization. We pride ourselves on the way we listen to our customers’ needs and market demands and remain agile in order to respond effectively,” Samskip Head of Norway Trade – Paul Wielaard, said.

“We understand the importance of being reliable, but to be a real partner, we also need to provide innovation in our logistics solutions. We are excited about the possibilities this new service brings to our customers and to this region.”

Samskip is building two zero-emission shortsea container vessels powered by green hydrogen. The 135-meter ships are taking shape at India‘s Cochin Shipyard and are intended for green corridors between the European continent and the Scandinavian region.

They will be fitted with 3.2 MW hydrogen fuel cells and diesel generators as backup.

In zero-emission mode, two Sea Shuttles are expected to achieve around 25,000 tons of CO2 reduction per year. Samskip, which aims to achieve net zero operations by 2040, said the ships would achieve zero emission operations in ports by using green shore power at the port of call.

The two newbuilds are due for delivery in the third and fourth quarters of 2025.