As part of the GAC Group’s commitment to sustainability and driving decarbonization across the wider maritime industry, GAC Norway has agreed to play a crucial role in a significant Norwegian hydrogen energy project.
In an effort to accelerate Norway’s transition to a low-emission society, the HyValue initiative will create knowledge, methodology, and innovative solutions for the generation of hydrogen energy carriers.
The Norwegian government’s Ministry of Petroleum and Energy will provide annual financing of NOK15 million until 2030 for the project, which is being led by NORCE, one of Norway’s major independent research organizations.
GAC Norway will leverage the larger GAC Group’s experience and knowledge of low carbon and sustainable bunker fuels to help the HyValue initiative for the development of storage, handling, and bunkering methods for hydrogen in maritime applications.
It will also aid in the development of maritime logistics and supply chain systems, as well as the comprehension of rules and financial incentives to promote the benefits of hydrogen as an alternative shipping fuel.
“We will draw on the valuable experience we have gained working with scientists, large-scale research organizations and major maritime partners to support this important initiative,” says Ole Fredrik Torpe, GAC Norway’s Quality, Training and Development Officer.
“We look forward to applying our wealth of experience to the HyValue project, working side-by-side with the best scientists and universities in Norway whilst demonstrating the global reach and operational excellence of the entire GAC Group.”
Fionn Iversen, HyValue’s Centre Director, adds: “We are very happy to have GAC onboard as a user partner and look forward to working together to develop hydrogen-based solutions that will lower maritime transport sector emissions. GAC’s competency, knowledge and experience related to maritime operations will be very valuable for reaching HyValue’s goals.”
As the maritime industry continues its push toward decarbonization and the International Maritime Organization’s objective of halving greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, hydrogen is emerging as the alternative fuel of choice for shipowners worldwide.
Hydrogen is a cleaner alternative to conventional bunker fuels due to its ability to be produced sustainably from electrical energy and biorenewable processes, its lack of carbon and sulphur, and its ability to disperse organically in the event of a leak.
In Europe and North America, hydrogen-powered ferries and smaller shipping vessels are currently in operation, and several large oil and gas companies are investing in hydrogen production projects in Europe and Asia. To be used as a fuel, hydrogen must be compressed into a liquid and held under high pressure. Therefore, it is necessary to create large-scale hydrogen storage and handling facilities.
The combination of the Group’s global network and GAC Bunker Fuels’ strong relationships with fuel suppliers and ports positions the company to take a leading role in the delivery of alternative and sustainable fuels, including hydrogen, as they become more widely available.
The relationship between GAC Norway and HyValue is the most recent development in the GAC Group’s sustainability strategy, which includes a commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and a net-zero carbon future.
“GAC Bunker Fuels has pledged zero oil-based bunker sales by 1 January 2030,” says Nicholas Browne, Global Director of GAC Bunker Fuels and Head of the GAC Group’s Sustainability Working Group. “We are proud to contribute our skills and experience at such an early stage in the development of hydrogen as a marine fuel.”
