Norway-based TECO 2030, engineering company BLOM Maritime, and Dutch logistics firm Samskip have secured a grant to explore retrofitting Samskip’s vessel, Kvitnos, with TECO 2030 fuel cells and hydrogen fuel.
This project seeks to significantly reduce emissions from the LNG-fueled vessel, aligning with broader industry goals for greener shipping solutions.
The project aims to retrofit the Kvitnos, a vessel currently operating on a weekly service from Rotterdam to Hammerfest along the Norwegian coastline. By incorporating zero-emission hydrogen technology, the partners aim to reduce the vessel’s greenhouse gas emissions substantially. This initiative is part of Samskip’s broader strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040.
The collaboration involves BLOM Maritime supporting naval architects, piping engineers, and structural engineers to produce the necessary documentation for preliminary approval of the hydrogen fuel cell solution. This preparatory phase is crucial for making an informed investment decision on the retrofit.
The collaboration between TECO 2030, BLOM Maritime, and Samskip to retrofit the Kvitnos with hydrogen fuel cells represents a significant step towards greener maritime operations. While the project faces challenges related to technology readiness, economic viability, and supply chain infrastructure, the potential environmental benefits and alignment with regulatory trends make it a noteworthy initiative. By critically assessing these aspects, it becomes clear that while hydrogen retrofitting is promising, its success will depend on overcoming these challenges through continued innovation and strategic planning.
