This research article by Ingrid Snustad, David Berstad, and Petter Nekså explores the potential for using hydrogen as a primary fuel source for fishing vessels.
The study focuses on the technical feasibility and optimization of hydrogen bunkering at sea, utilizing gaseous hydrogen at a pressure of 250 bar to supply fishing vessels requiring up to 4000 kWh of energy onboard.
The fishing and aquaculture industry in Norway is both significant economically and a considerable source of greenhouse gas emissions, contributing approximately 1.1 million tonnes per year. As growth in this sector is anticipated, addressing and reducing emissions is becoming increasingly urgent. Transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, such as hydrogen, is a promising strategy for mitigating these emissions, especially for medium-sized fishing vessels.
Hydrogen presents a viable option for fishing vessels, but it requires overcoming significant technical challenges, especially regarding refueling. Current refueling protocols, like SAE J-2601 for light-duty vehicles, do not extend to larger vessels with different energy demands and storage pressures. Unlike light-duty tanks that handle hydrogen at pressures around 700–900 bar, fishing vessels propose a pressure level of 250 bar. Developing appropriate refueling protocols for these demands remains critical.
One of the technical constraints in hydrogen bunkering is managing the temperature increase during the refueling process. This increase arises from the compression energy in the tanks and hydrogen’s negative Joule–Thomson coefficient, which can result in significant temperature jumps. These changes occur through flow restrictions such as valves. The study notes that various factors, including initial state-of-charge, refueling rate, and initial temperature, influence the end temperature, with specific regard to type III tanks. Thus, understanding and controlling these parameters are vital for safe and efficient hydrogen bunkering.
