Future Proof Shipping

Hydrogen first

Europe is leading the way in deploying hydrogen powered vessels

An inland container vessel will be running exclusively on hydrogen power by the end of this year.

Future Proof Shipping (FPS) has contracted Holland Shipyards Group (HSG) to retrofit the 110 m long Maas to run off a zero-emissions hydrogen propulsion system.

Retrofitting will involve replacing the internal combustion technology with hydrogen technology, removing both the main engine and gearbox, and installing a new modular propulsion system. This will consist of electric motors, hydrogen tanks, a PEM fuel cell system needed to convert hydrogen into electricity as well as a battery system. The compressed hydrogen tanks, the fuel cells and the battery system are separate units that can be removed for maintenance or replacement purposes.

The hydrogen and fuel cell system will be installed in the cargo space of the vessel, with the hydrogen being placed above the fuel cell system in two feu weighing approximately one tonne at 300 bar.

The fuel cell system will be triple redundant with 825 kW capacity to supply propulsion and auxiliary power and a 504 kWh lithium-ion battery pack for peak shaving, secondary and bridging power. The system will contain a 750V DC bus bar and an e-motor for propulsion.

“This future-proof ship will truly be a zero-emissions vessel, a vessel to forge the way for a greener and more sustainable inland shipping industry,” comments Richard Klatten, CEO of Future Proof Shipping.

On the specifics of the ship, Klatten says: “Based on the operational profile, readiness, and price, we chose PEM fuel cells and compressed hydrogen.” Details of the hydrogen supply deal are expected to be revealed shortly.

Once the company has cracked how to work inland ships, the next aim is to move on to short-sea vessels with studies for both container and bulk designs now underway. Future Proof Shipping aims to build a fleet of 10 zero-emissions inland and short-sea vessels based on longterm time charter contracts over the next decade.

“We are focused on complete zero GHG emission pathways – for now electric drivetrains powered by fuel cells plus 100% green hydrogen and/or batteries. We constantly follow research and developments in other fuels and technologies to see if other fully zero-emissions prospects emerge,” Klatten says.

Once back in service, the Maas will carry on shipping containers between Rotterdam and Antwerp. It is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2,000 CO2 equivalent tonnes annually.

Future Proof Shipping now finds itself in a race with another European company to see who will be the first to deploy a hydrogen powered merchant ship this year.

European innovation project Flagships will deploy the world’s first commercial cargo transport vessel operating on hydrogen later this year, plying the river Seine in Paris, gliding passed the Eiffel Tower.

The hydrogen cargo transport vessel will be owned by French inland shipowner Compagnie Fluvial de Transport (CFT), a subsidiary of the Sogestran Group. The company is currently developing a new business for urban distribution using vessels in the Paris area. ●