To demonstrate zero-emission marine operations, SEA-KIT has been awarded money to install a revolutionary PCB-based hydrogen fuel cell designed by project partner Bramble Energy on its 12m USV “Maxlimer”.
“Clean maritime demonstration competition” (CMDC) Strand 2 awarded the funding to Sea-Kit. According to DfT and InnovateUK, the project will demonstrate a successful diesel to hydrogen conversion of Sea-proven Kit’s USV design and illustrate how to meet the UK’s goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from shipping by at least 50% by 2050 under the Clean Maritime Plan Strategy.
“SEA-KIT USVs have a dual diesel-electric hybrid drive, with propulsion coming from an electric motor powered by battery banks that are charged by in-situ diesel generators,” said Ben Simpson, SEA-KIT CEO. “This project will replace one of the diesel generators with new hydrogen fuel cell technology from Bramble Energy and demonstrate an offshore operation with zero carbon emissions.” West Sussex-based Bramble Energy, a disruptor in the clean tech space, will design and manufacture a marinized, customised version of its printed circuit board fuel cell (PCBFC).
