Samskip is set to retrofit its MPP vessel Kvitnos with hydrogen fuel cell technology after the ship operator joined TECO 2030’s HyEkoTank project.
The EU Horizon Europe-funded initiative is designed to demonstrate hydrogen power to the world’s existing fleet of more than 100,000 ships. The consortium was launched last year, backed by an initial funding of €5m ($5.4m).
Read more:European consortium launches HyEkoTank hydrogen-powered maritime project
The Samskip Kvitnos is set to be retrofitted in 2025 with TECO 2030’s fuel cells, along with hydrogen storage provided by Umoe Advanced Composites. Fuel cells are expected to deliver the “most energy-efficient and cost-efficient” fuel solution for the vessel, as Kvitnos consumes much more energy than can be charged by shore power.
As part of the HyEkoTank consortium, Samskip will partner with TECO 2030, Umoe, Shell, BLOM Maritime, Nav-Tech, FKAB Marine Design, Tarbit Shipping and project coordinator UiT The Artic University of Norway.
TECO 2030’s CEO, Tore Enger, claimed the synergy between fuel cell technology and Samskip’s commitment to sustainability creates “the ideal foundation for future-proofing their existing fleet for long-term success in the maritime industry.”
HyEkoTank’s Project Coordinator Leif-Gunnar Hanssen, explained, “Almost all of the 2,000-3,000 newly built ships each year are built with conventional fossil technologies, and the average ship lifetime is 25-30 years.”
“To achieve the maritime sector greenhouse gas reduction targets retrofitting zero-emission technology on the existing fleet is essential. That is why the EkoTank project is so important.”
