KONGSBERG has set a world record by testing and confirming a full-scale, full-size, zero-emissions drivetrain for ships and ferries driven by hydrogen fuel cells.
The experiment shows that the technology for utilizing hydrogen (H2) as an energy carrier is now advanced.
“We take the next step in zero-emission solutions at sea with a validated and tested hydrogen-based propulsion system.” This project exemplifies how our world-leading Norwegian marine cluster succeeds when confronted with the most difficult technological difficulties,” says Geir Hy, CEO of KONGSBERG.
The program is the third and final phase of the EU-funded “HySeas” project, which began in 2013 with the goal of developing and demonstrating a scalable hydrogen system for ships and ferries. The project’s technical lead was KONGSBERG, and it included participants from Scotland, Denmark, France, Germany, Sweden, and England.
KONGSBERG has completed the final stage of the project by constructing a full-scale electric propulsion system based on hydrogen-powered fuel cells in Bergen. The system will now go through a four-month validation phase with the goal of confirming the final design for an H2-powered RoPax ferry. The purpose of the drivetrain testing is to show how easily H2 fuel cells can be combined with an established marine hybrid electric drive system.
“The world looks to Norway for environmentally friendly and long-term maritime solutions. What KONGSBERG and its partners have accomplished with this project is another another example of the Norwegian maritime cluster’s worldwide leading expertise. Now we’ve taken the next step for solutions in Norway, as well as the next step for the Norwegian marine sector in terms of international exporting hydrogen-based technology and solutions.” Minister of Trade and Industry Jan Christian Vestre is quoted as saying.
The testing simulates the operational loads that a vessel might encounter on a trip between Kirkwall and Shapinsay, Orkney. It will establish safe operation and power and fuel capacity needs, as well as provide other useful information to Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) in Scotland’s vessel design team. The design will be completed by CMAL in March 2022. At the ferry dock, hydrogen fuel will be produced using wind power.
“If we are to succeed with hydrogen investment in Norway, both in terms of reducing national emissions and creating new, green, and sustainable jobs, we must be able to demonstrate full-scale trials.” This means that the next stage will be to demonstrate the technology in action before immediately putting the necessary infrastructure in place. Orkney will be the first practical use of this technology, while the Norwegian maritime cluster will be able to build our own pilots and projects right here in Norway,” says Kongsberg Maritime President Egil Haugsdal.
