Maritime hydrogen fuel system

Hexagon Purus Maritime, a subsidiary of Hexagon Purus, has secured support from Innovation Norway for the creation of a groundbreaking maritime hydrogen fuel system in Langevågen, near Ålesund, marking the first of its kind in Norway. Innovation Norway, renowned for assisting companies in enhancing their competitive edge and fostering innovation, has come forward to back this initiative, which will spotlight solutions geared towards achieving zero-emission shipping.

The comprehensive model will encompass a fuel system equipped with four type 4 hydrogen cylinders, structural components, a refuelling nozzle, and an integrated piping and control system. This demonstrative model is intended for the purpose of training operators and engineering students in a secure environment.

This model is a result of the collaborative efforts of Hexagon Purus Maritime's own maritime experts and the well-established hydrogen fuel systems developed by Hexagon Purus, presently operational in various mobility applications worldwide, including buses and heavy-duty trucks.

Robert Haugen, Managing Director of Hexagon Purus Maritime, expressed pride in Innovation Norway's recognition of the potential held by both Hexagon Purus Maritime and hydrogen's role in decarbonising the maritime sector. According to Magne Aarsnes, Senior Customer Adviser at Innovation Norway, hydrogen will be a vital energy carrier in vessels that do not align with battery-operated profiles. He emphasised Innovation Norway's commitment to supporting entities that demonstrate hydrogen's significance in advancing the industry.

Situated within Norway's maritime hub, Hexagon Purus Maritime plans to establish a Development Centre in Langevågen specifically for the maritime industry. This centre will serve as a meeting point for engineers, shipowners, regulatory authorities, and students, facilitating a comprehensive understanding of hydrogen fuel systems.

Ingrid Fjørtoft Klokk, Project Engineer at Hexagon Purus Maritime, expressed hope that the full-scale model, coupled with the Development Centre, will foster education and spark innovations that expedite the integration of compressed hydrogen within the maritime sector.

The project is already well in progress, with an official launch of the Development Centre and demonstrative model slated for 2024.

In 2023, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) adopted a revised strategy aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from international shipping. This revised strategy entails an overarching ambition to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by around 2050, alongside interim milestones calling for substantial reductions of up to 30% by 2030 and 80% by 2040, measured from GHG emission levels in 2008.

The availability of green hydrogen for use in the maritime industry is instrumental in curbing GHG emissions. As hydrogen gains global momentum as a pivotal contributor to the energy transition, more than 30 countries have unveiled hydrogen roadmaps. Furthermore, a staggering USD 320 billion in direct investments for hydrogen projects have been announced through 2030, with over 1,000 hydrogen projects unveiled worldwide to date. Projections suggest that green hydrogen could potentially fulfil up to 25% of the world's energy demands by 2050.