Hydrogen for high-speed crafts and other coastal vessels

At the end of May, Ocean Hyway Cluster presented a study showing considerable potential for use of hydrogen in the maritime sector in Norway towards 2030.

Pressurised hydrogen, produced from renewable energy, is a good solution for many types of vessels, including high-speed crafts. The technology will provide a cost efficient and simpler solution for fleets of different vessels in the niche between batteries and floating hydrogen.

Compared to batteries, compressed hydrogen has a higher energy density and a lower weight, and allows for quicker bunkering. Continuous, evenly distributed production will also assure a lower need for power in harbours. Many of the necessary solutions related to bunkering of pressurised hydrogen and pressure tanks already exist, and only need to be tested and approved for maritime use.

Furthermore, green pressurised hydrogen can be produced locally, and the technology enables expanding capacity as demand increases. This results in lower costs related to infrastructure, production facilities and local distribution than for liquid hydrogen. Compared to the latter type of hydrogen, pressurised hydrogen is also less energy-intensive, and has a lower energy cost.

Decentralised hydrogen production creates a basis for related local activities along the coast. The electrolysis plant produces hydrogen, but also oxygen that can be used in aquaculture. An electrolysis facility also produces heat, that can be used locally.

In several of the potential locations, it will be possible to combine hydrogen deliveries to the maritime sector with deliveries to other users in heavy transport, to fleet vehicles like buses, trains etc.

Statkraft, TrønderEnergi and Hyon have therefore entered a collaboration to launch compressed hydrogen as a good alternative for vessels and heavy vehicles. The parties will work together with other actors in the value chain in order to offer complete solutions in the tender processes that the local authorities will initiate in 2020 and onwards.

Hyon is a joint venture company owned by Nel ASA, Hexagon Composites ASA and PowerCell Sweden AB.