Green Marine is leading a pioneering project that will see a Crew Transfer Vessel (CTV) retrofitted with hydrogen fuel cells.
Project Verdant has the backing of Innovate UK, with the first phase entailing a preliminary design and feasibility study. The aim here will be to explore if the concept in question is viable, before paving the way for future phases where the design can then be developed and tested out in the field.
The concept being explored is one where hydrogen fuel cells are connected to electric motors. These can work with existing diesel-fuelled engines, which can be shut down, enabling zero emission at sow speed when working within offshore wind farms. The system could be capable of reducing the vessel’s CO2 emissions by up to 30% and NOx emissions by as much as 40%.
Green Marine has been joined by consultancy, Waves Group, which will be tasked with solving the technical and regulatory challenges associated it the project, and the European Marine Energy Centre, which is set to provide economic modelling and advice on refuelling, logistics and safety.
Naval architect, Jason Hayman, leading the project for Green Marine, said: “In recent years several new build hydrogen-powered vessels have been launched, but our current objective is to develop a system that can be easily retrofitted to CTVs that would enable them to be powered by hydrogen fuel cells when in loiter mode for a substantial portion of the day.”
With a host of “new and innovative technologies” to be used, a priority for Green Marine is to ensure all aspects of operation are safe for crew and passengers, with recognition of the need to prove this to class and regulators.
Hayman continued: “In the coming weeks and months, we will be engaging with industry leaders and technical experts to develop the design and specifications of the system. A viability assessment will then be undertaken to ensure any risks identified during the project can be adequately addressed or mitigated, and the design is capable of meeting or exceeding the criteria established.”
