“To reach our ambitions for zero emission ocean transport, new technology has to be developed. Batteries cover many needs but not all. This means the introduction and usage of zero emission energy carriers such as hydrogen is crucial,” commented Nils Kristian Nakstad, CEO for Enova.

The funds will, as stated, enable Wilhelmsen, the Norwegian maritime group leading the project, to further develop the technologies and additional infrastructure needed to support the shipping industry's zero-emission fuel ambitions.

Enova's funding comes two months after the HySHIP maritime innovation project also secured more than $9 million in EU funding.

Kongsberg Maritime, LMG Marin, Equinor, Norled, PersEE, Diana Shipping, Stolt-Nielsen Inland Tanker Service BV, Air Liquide, NCE Maritime CleanTech, DNV GL, ETH Zürich, Strathclyde University and Demokritos are the HySHIP consortium members, in addition to Wilhelmsen.

In particular, the construction of two roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessels servicing the short sea segment is the focus of the project.

The vessels can, among other things, carry products along the Norwegian west coast between offshore supply bases. In addition, Topeka vessels will carry hydrogen to various filling stations, where hydrogen will be available as ready-to-use fuel for local ferries and other vessels, as well as for land transport.

The vessels will be the first of their kind to enter commercial service, going under the design name Topeka.

They will sail on a set schedule, offering a two-in-one solution, bringing both coastal customer cargo and containerized liquid hydrogen (LH2) to the bunkering hubs. In 2024, the vessels are planned to be operational.

Maritime Business World