Safe hydrogen installation

Result

The result shows that it is possible to carry out a retrofit installation of a fuel cell and battery-based system that simultaneously takes into account safety aspects on board. In Uraniborg's case, however, it would mean extensive rebuilding on board, and there are still several areas where further studies are needed before such work could be carried out.

In conclusion, the conclusion is that the proposed design is a feasible concept but that it would be easier to build a new ship adapted for hydrogen operation instead of making a retrofit solution. This is because of the changes that would need to be made in the ship's design to store and vent the hydrogen gas safely and keep it separate from common spaces and spaces where electrical installations are located.

In addition to the theoretical concept, the project has also created an industry network for hydrogen in maritime applications with a total of 47 industry members (at the time of writing). The network will continue to focus on the implementation of hydrogen in maritime applications even after the end of the study through knowledge sharing and support the creation of new research and development projects.

During the implementation of the project, several areas where further research is needed were identified, for example:

• Investigation regarding different storage options for hydrogen gas with associated pipe systems on board. Differences in safety, cost and operational aspects
• Further assessment of the hydrogen bunkering procedure and associated safety aspects
• Full-scale installations of hydrogen projects in various vessel types and operational profiles. Both in the form of new builds, conversions of existing ships and in combination with local hydrogen production, distribution of hydrogen and hydrogen storage

Work is conducted in close collaboration with, among others, shipping companies and technology suppliers based on five areas. Where each area relates to its own work package in the project:

• Literature study and analysis of the surrounding world
• Benefit and potential
• Concept installation of hydrogen-powered fuel cell system
• Security solutions for concept installation
• Regulations and roadmap for hydrogen-powered vessels

In parallel with the actual work with the feasibility study in the work packages, the ambition is to also form one
Swedish network/consortium connected to the installation of hydrogen-powered fuel cells on board
ships. This has the potential to become an area where both business and academia have a lot to gain from development, production and sales.

CLOSER works primarily with mapping and describing ongoing initiatives and development projects with relevance to the project with a focus on hydrogen installations in vehicles and craft. In addition, CLOSER works with a compilation and description of relevant actors for a future upscaling of (national) knowledge and development clusters for fuel cells and hydrogen in the maritime industry.

The feasibility study is comprised of a competent and broad reference group with collective knowledge in the field and is actively used by presenting, evaluating and supplementing produced material.

If you want to know more about safe hydrogen installation, get in touch with