Howden has signed a contract with European Energy to supply a H₂ compression solution. This solution will deliver pure green H₂ as feedstock to e-methanol production, fueling maritime transportation.

European Energy has been designated by Maersk as a key supplier of e-methanol to ensure its shipping fleet undergoes a green transition away from traditional bunker fuel. European Energy is set to deliver 200,000-300,000 tons of e-methanol to Maersk annually by 2025.

To achieve this, European Energy is developing the world's first large-scale commercial e-methanol production facility. The green H₂ will be provided by a 50-megawatt electrolyzer and it will be compressed by Howden.

Howden will supply five compressor packages, which provide the required H₂ purity, pressure and flow capacity levels on demand. The turnkey packages require minimal onsite installation, and the compressors are easy to maintain throughout their lifecycle. The compact design combines high-level engineering expertise with a minimal footprint, with highly reliable, non-lubricated piston compressor technology delivering 1,370 kg/hr of green and pure H₂ to support a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions.

Salah Mahdy, Global Director of Renewable H₂ at Howden said, “While renewable energy is becoming more and more common in the heavy transportation industry, this project marks the beginning of CO₂-neutral shipping at a large-scale and is a significant step towards ocean vessels and the maritime industry using 100% renewable energy.

“The International Maritime Organization has targets to cut the global shipping industry’s annual greenhouse gas emissions by at least half by 2050, compared to 2008 levels, so renewable energy options like those provided by Howden H₂ compressors play a vital role in meeting these goals.”

Anders Brendstrup, Head of EPC in PtX at European Energy said, “Collaboration with partners across the industry is necessary for creating a value chain, scaling green fuel production, and planning future total cost of ownership. This also requires cost efficiency, reliability and safety. Using Howden's compression systems to connect renewable energy production and electrolysis with transmission and distribution is a key step for us.

“We are delighted to have selected the best possible partner based on their long-term experience and outstanding engineering. Howden's contribution will make our ambition to support zero-emission mobility through an unparalleled technologic approach a safe and realistic goal.”

Howden has over 100 years of experience in H₂ compression solutions. Howden delivers reliable H₂ compression solutions on several industry leading projects relative to storage, steel, and mobility, and accelerating the adoption of H₂ globally. Its technology can handle and optimize H₂ across the value chain from production, to storage, distribution and end use such as refueling stations, Power-to-X applications and heavy industrial purposes.