HAV Group ASA, a Norwegian technology company, has received preliminary certification from DNV for its hydrogen-based energy system.
The system was developed as part of the FreeCO2ast project, which is now constructing a high-capacity hydrogen energy system that can be installed onboard two coastal cruise vessels owned by Norwegian operator Havila Kystruten.
HAV Group ASA can confidently start the final design stage after receiving preliminary clearance from DNV and is one step closer to commercializing its hydrogen system.
Green hydrogen has the potential to play a significant part in the decarbonization of shipping, both as a catalyst for synthetic fuels and as a direct ship fuel. However, because of its unique qualities, hydrogen is a difficult fuel to deal with, and because there are no prescriptive requirements, enterprises intending to launch hydrogen systems must adhere to the IMO recommendations on alternative design (MSC.1/Circ.1455). When utilizing hydrogen, like with other new fuels, maintaining high safety levels is critical.
“Alternative design approval is utilized for unique ship designs that cannot be accepted under present prescriptive requirements, and the Flag State grants final permission.” “We at DNV Maritime were delighted that HAV Group ASA picked us as their third-party verification review partner as part of the Alternative Design clearance process,” said Ivar Hberg, Director of Approval, Ship Classification, DNV Maritime.
“Our evaluations revealed that the preliminary design met the IGF Code’s purpose and functional criteria,” he continued (IMO International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels). This implies HAV Group ASA has successfully proved that its idea meets the first criteria for safe and dependable hydrogen-powered ship operations. It’s been a joy working with HAV Group ASA, and we’re excited to see the finished product.”
“Getting a hydrogen energy system off the ground is a complicated and highly demanding effort, and we are very delighted to have gone this far,” said Gunnar Larsen, CEO of HAV Group ASA. It took four years of collaboration with internal and external partners in the FreeCo2ast project, as well as outstanding assistance from DNV specialists, to get to this point. Their assistance was critical in navigating the Alternative Design process effectively.”
DNV advisory experts assisted HAV Group ASA with Hazard Identification (HAZID study) and Quantitative Risk Analysis (QRA) for every aspect of their hydrogen fuel system onboard the vessels, including bunkering, storage tanks, the fuel supply system, and other auxiliary systems connected to the hydrogen system.
