Hexagon Purus Maritime, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hexagon Purus, has been granted support from Innovation Norway to build a full-scale model of a maritime hydrogen fuel system, the first of its kind in Norway, in Langevågen, close to Ålesund. Innovation Norway supports companies in developing their competitive advantage and to enhance innovation. The demo model will showcase solutions available for zero emission shipping.
The full-scale model will include a fuel system with four type 4 hydrogen cylinders, structure, fueling nozzle and a piping and control system. The demo model will be used for training with operators and engineering students in a safe environment.
The model is developed by combining the maritime expertise of Hexagon Purus Maritime’s own engineers with the tried and tested hydrogen fuel systems made by Hexagon Purus that are in operation on a wide variety of mobility applications across the world today, such as buses and heavy-duty trucks.
“We are proud to see that Innovation Norway recognizes the potential in both Hexagon Purus Maritime and the role hydrogen can play in decarbonizing the maritime industry,” says Robert Haugen, Managing Director, Hexagon Purus Maritime.
“Hydrogen will be an important energy carrier on vessels where the operating profile does not suit batteries. We are eager to support players who are demonstrating the role hydrogen can play and helping to move the industry forward,” says Magne Aarsnes, Senior Customer Adviser, Innovation Norway.
Located in the maritime cluster in Norway, Hexagon Purus Maritime will establish a Development Center in Langevågen for the maritime industry, where engineers, ship owners, regulatory bodies and students can meet and learn the functions of a hydrogen fuel system.
“We hope that the full-scale model, combined with the Development Center, will educate and inspire innovations that accelerate the adoption of compressed hydrogen in the maritime industry”, says Ingrid Fjørtoft Klokk, Project Engineer, Hexagon Purus Maritime.
The project is already well underway, and an official launch of the Development Center and demo model will take place in 2024.
About the market
In 2023, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted a revised strategy to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from international shipping. The revised strategy includes a common ambition to (i) reach net-zero GHG emission by or around 2050 and (ii) indicative milestones that call for reducing total GHG emissions of up to 30% by 2030 and 80% by 2040 measured from GHG emission levels in 2008.
Making green hydrogen available for use in the maritime industry is critical to reduce GHG emissions. As hydrogen, a key contributor to the energy transition, continues to build momentum globally, more than 30 countries have released hydrogen roadmaps. USD 320 billion in direct investments into hydrogen projects have been announced through 2030 and more than 1,000 hydrogen projects have been announced globally to date. Green hydrogen is projected to supply up to 25% of the world’s energy needs by 2050.
Source: Hexagon Purus Maritime