Horizon Europe’s HyEkoTank Project Aims to Retrofit Marine Transport with Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology
A new 36-month project funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe program has been launched to develop technology that will retrofit a 2.4 MW fuel cell system and swappable hydrogen storage onto a bitumen carrier. The HyEkoTank project brings together eight partners from three European countries – Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands – to optimize hydrogen fuel cell solutions for maritime applications.
The consortium, which combines key knowledge and experience in hydrogen, fuel cells, and the maritime industry, aims to cost-effectively retrofit fleets, significantly reducing their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The project’s goal is to develop and install a retrofit solution by 2024, transforming the existing fleet and accelerating the achievement of climate neutrality for both sea-going and inland waterway waterborne transport.
The proposed solution consists of:
- A standardized, easily integrated 40ft ISO container that includes a 2.4 MW fuel cell system, hydrogen fuel gas conditioning, air filtration systems, power converters, battery storage, and an automation system.
- A containerized, 350-bar compressed hydrogen storage with a 4,000 kg capacity, type-approved to perform hydrogen refueling by swapping containers using cranes.
In addition, the project aims to deliver:
- A feasibility assessment and model for optimizing the hydrogen supply chain to ports.
- Concept designs to standardize the technology, making it easy to install on any ship, regardless of its operations.
The HyEkoTank project, coordinated by Universitetet i Tromsoe – Norges Arktiske Universitet in Norway, brings together partners such as Shell International Exploration and Production Bv, TECO 2030 AS, Fartygskonstruktioner AB, Umoe Advanced Composites AS, TECO Solutions AS, BLOM Maritime AS, and Tarbit Shipping AB.
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With a total EU grant of €5,092,999, the project commenced on February 1, 2023, and is set to transform the marine transport industry by integrating hydrogen fuel cell systems into existing fleets.
