The state-of-the-art fishing vessel Skulebas was delivered to Vestland County Council earlier this autumn. The vessel is used in the training of students at Måløy High School’s program for fisheries, aquaculture and maritime subjects and is equipped with the latest innovative technology. This includes a propulsion system with a hydrogen-powered fuel cell in combination with a battery pack.
Norwegian Hydrogen has entered into an agreement with the county council that enables emission-free sailing with green hydrogen as soon as Skulebas is ready for hydrogen operation during summer 2024. Based in Måløy, Skulebas will soon be able to fill locally sourced, green hydrogen produced at Norwegian Hydrogen’s factory in Hellesylt, which will be operational next year. With this factory, green hydrogen is now made available to maritime customers, heavy duty trucks and buses, and a wide range of other industries who want to lead the way in the green transition.
Jørgen Kopperstad, Head of Maritime at Norwegian Hydrogen says: “Skulebas is the first fishing vessel in the world that will sail on green hydrogen, completely emission-free. This will be a milestone, not only for us in Norwegian Hydrogen, but also for the maritime and fisheries industry. And not least for Måløy High School and the students there. We find it inspiring to supply hydrogen to a training vessel that will educate future seafarers, as it is precisely these that will propel these new technologies further.”
“MS Skulebas has secured an agreement for access to green hydrogen. This hydrogen will be used in the fuel cell installed on board around mid-2024. For MS Skulebas, it is of the utmost importance that the hydrogen is produced in an environmentally friendly way using renwable power from local hydropower plants. Local production at Hellesylt is also a key requirement, as it limits the need for transport to and from the vessel,” says Stig Antonsen, project manager for MS Skulebas.
The Norwegian maritime industry supplies the complete hydrogen solution to Skulebas. Corvus will deliver the fuel cell system, while Hexagon Purus will deliver a hydrogen storage solution for the school vessel built by Hvide Sande Shipyard in Denmark.
“This is a very important contract for us. First and foremost, we are grateful that Vestland County Council has chosen us as the supplier for a ship that is so prestigious and important for both the county municipality, for Måløy High School, and for everyone who works to promote green shipping. This makes us proud, and we are really looking forward to getting started,” says Jens Berge, CEO of Norwegian Hydrogen.
About MS Skulebas
MS Skulebas, which was delivered from Hvide Sande Shipyard in summer 2023, represents the latest in school ship technology. It is equipped with advanced facilities that meet the standards of modern fishing vessels. The school ship is used by Måløy High School for training future fishermen, nauticals, machinists and catering personnel. This provides thorough training in the use of various fishing gear, including lines, nets, trawls and seine revaders.
One of the most remarkable features of MS Skulebas is its advanced technology for climate-friendly operation. With new fuel cells using hydrogen in combination with battery technology, the ship has the potential to sail emission-free on day trips. This marks a significant step towards environmentally friendly shipping and demonstrates a commitment to sustainable operations in maritime operations.
About Norwegian Hydrogen
Norwegian Hydrogen AS builds and operates a comprehensive network of production sites and distribution systems for green hydrogen throughout the Nordics, tailored to meet the future requirements for zero-emission energy in a wide range of mobility sectors and industrial segments.
The company is supported by a group of strong industrial owners, such as Mitsui & Co., Ltd, Flakk Group, Hexagon Purus, aquaculture major Hofseth International, hydropower company Tafjord and now also Fortescue.
Their fully owned subsidiary Vireon is the leading hydrogen refueler for heavy-duty transportation in the Nordics, currently developing and building infrastructure across Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland.
Norwegian Hydrogen’s head office is in Ålesund, Norway, and they also have offices in Oslo, Narvik, Helsinki, Copenhagen and Stockholm.
Contact for more information:
Norwegian Hydrogen
Marielle Furnes Mannseth, Group Brand & Sustainability Officer
E: [email protected]
M: +47 93 40 21 40
MS Skulebas
Stig Antonsen, Project Manager
E: [email protected]
M: +47 95 05 25 56
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