HAV Group company HAV Hydrogen has received NOK 12.4m in funding to build, test and certify a full-scale prototype of the company’s Zero Emission Pod – a containerised hydrogen (H2) energy system for ships.
The DNV-approved Zero Emission Pod is a complete deck house where several fuel cells are mounted together with a complete hydrogen distribution system, control and safety system including emergency shutdown system, ventilation system, cooling system, and DC/DC power distribution system.
The Zero Emission Pod received Approval in Principle (AiP) by DNV in 2023. Building and testing of a full-scale prototype is a continuation of this work. The prototype testing will further enhance technology readiness-level and – from a shipowner’s perspective – substantially de-risk the solution. The latter will make it easier for shipowners to choose to invest in one or more Zero Emission Pods.
HAV Hydrogen MD Kristian Osnes said: “Our system is designed based on a risk-based methodology in order to comply with the safety barrier requirements of IMO’s fuel cell guidelines. This is essential to create a mass market product that can be quickly adopted by the maritime industry. Moreover, having a physical, working product to showcase to shipowners and yards will enable an enhanced understanding of the maturity and marketability of the Zero Emission Pod.”
Testing and certification will be conducted at SINTEF’s test facility in Trondheim, Norway. The system’s innovative features and substantial commercial potential has led to Innovation Norway allocating a grant worth NOK 12.4m which will enable HAV Hydrogen to build and test the first full-scale Zero Emission Pod during the current year. Innovation Norway’s Environmental Technology Scheme is aimed at the pilot and demonstration phase of a development project, targeting environmental technology. The purpose of the scheme is to promote the development and implementation of new technologies that provide increased environmental protection and contribute to strengthening Norwegian business competitiveness.
Magne Aarsnes, financial adviser to Innovation Norway, said: “Facing the monumental challenges of transitioning and phasing out fossil fuels, the importance of our mission at Innovation Norway becomes ever more clear. Supporting projects like HAV Hydrogen’s is important, as it embodies Innovation Norway’s commitment to support Norwegian industries through this pivotal transformation.”
HAV Hydrogen’s parent, HAV Group, will provide the remaining funds required to build, test and certify the prototype.
HAV Group CEO Gunnar Larsen said: “HAV Group is dedicated to enabling the green transition at sea. Adopting a safe and easy-to-install hydrogen energy system is an attractive shortcut for vessel operators and owners that are keen to decarbonise their fleet without incurring unreasonable hight costs in doing so. We are excited about contributing towards the building of the prototype and the commercial potential this can help to unlock.”
The Zero Emission Pod can be used for the main propulsion systems, or for additional power supply on board the vessel to comply with green operation standards. Quayside, the hydrogen system can ensure sufficient green power supply to the vessel, which does not need to rely on onshore charging infrastructure to achieve zero emission status.
Osnes said: “The Zero Emission Pod can either be utilised as a retrofit option for vessels that have not already been prepared for a conventional retrofit installation below deck, or as a complete plug-in module that de-risks the yard installation for newbuilds. The size of the potential market is huge.”
Image: HAV Hydrogen’s Zero Emission Pod (source: HAV Group)
