HAV Hydrogen is set to launch a deck-based containerized H₂ energy system for ships to fast-track the commercial use of H₂ as ship fuel.

HAV Hydrogen’s containerized solution is a stand-alone, scalable power supply where all support and safety systems as well as electrical power management are included. The solution is based on 200-kW H₂ fuel cells modules and can for instance be set up with 1,000-kW output from a standard 20-foot-long shipping container. By using larger containers, or combining several containers, larger capacity energy systems will also be available.

Installed effect can be used for the main propulsion systems, or for additional power supply on board the vessel. Output effect will be dimensioned to provide optimal zero emission power in desired operating situations, sailing patterns and vessel type.

“The containerized, deck-based system is our response to shipowners who want a retrofit option that represents significantly lower cost and risk for vessels that have not already been prepared for a conventional retrofit installation below deck. Whereas for newbuild vessels it can be a solution that reduces risk and complexity for a technology that is new to most shipyards,” said Kristian Osnes, managing director at HAV Hydrogen, a system integrator for marine fuel cell solutions.

“Our containerized solution can be the quick route to zero emission for many vessel types. It is easy to install and enables the customer a quicker route through the challenging approval process for hydrogen systems and significant risk reduction by obtaining a turnkey solution for a fixed price.  This will in turn allow us to utilize different financing models as we believe this will be necessary to get the zero-emission market up and running,” said Kristian Osnes.

As a specialist system integrator for marine fuel cell solutions, HAV Hydrogen will offer support to shipowners, ship designers and shipyards to ensure an optimal design, integration and installation process.

The containerized H₂ solution is based on the H₂-based energy system developed in the groundbreaking FreeCO2ast project, which have developed a maritime H₂-based energy system with a liquid H₂ tank below deck. Earlier this year, the Norwegian Maritime Authority and DNV granted preliminary approval for the below deck system.