Teco 2030 and partners have been promised finance from Horizon Europe of €5m to realise a hydrogen-powered tanker concept, known as Hykotank.
The consortium, comprising Teco 2030, Shell International Trading and Shipping Company and Shell International Exploration and Production, Ektank, Blom Maritime, Teco Solutions, Umoe Advanced Composites (UAC), FKAB, Neste and UiT (Norway’s Arctic University) expects to complete the Grant Agreement process by the end of this year, and is planning a project start by February 1, 2023.
The Hykotank project will retrofit an 18,600 dwt product tanker with a 2.4MW fuel cell system from Teco 2030 and a compressed hydrogen storage of 4000kg for demonstration in 2024. Hykotank’s hydrogen -powered tankers will demonstrate zero emissions in port and 60% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions during voyages. This ground-breaking project can become a ‘first mover’ in this maritime segment, and help to reach the ambitious climate targets set by the EU.
As part of the European green agreement, the EU has undertaken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55 % by 2030, and a binding goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050. In the ‘Fit for 55’ package, the EU is currently developing its climate, energy and energy and Transport-related legislation to adapt current laws with the 2030 and 2050 ambitions.
Tore Enger, CEO Teco 2030, said: “We are proud to have been invited to receive support from Horizon Europe as we proceed with the integration of Teco 2030 fuel cells onboard ships. The hydrogen tanker concept will be a state -of -the -art vessel retrofit to reduce up to 100% of greenhouse gas emissions during voyage and In port. There is no doubt that zero emissions are the way forward if we have any ambitions to reach the goals of the Paris Agreement. “
Carl Henrickson, GM Technology, Innovation and Digitalisation, Shell Shipping and Maritime, said: “Shell is proud to be part of this fuel cell project, which aims to demonstrate the ability of hydrogen as a zero carbon fuel for the maritime sector. Our goal is to be an energy company with zero emissions by 2050, and to accelerate this transition we work together with customers and companies in all sectors. Shell will buy the fuel cell system and deliver the renewable hydrogen to run this ground-breaking project while continuing to operate innovation to deliver cleaner energy solutions that our customers need.”
Jörgen Johnsson, CEO Ektank said: “We are humbled to contribute with our high quality and energy -efficient vessels to the development of zero emission technologies to meet environmental requirements and regulations. We are pleased that our vessels fit into the concept Hykotank, which is in line with the company’s environmental strategy.”
Lauri Helin, VP Logistics and Operations, Oil Products, Neste said: “Supporting the shipping industry against carbon neutrality requires collaboration, new innovations and utilisation of all available solutions. Since maritime transport is one of the largest sources of transport emissions, there is a pressing need for lower emission solutions that are already available today. Neste is pleased to be part of this project that enables a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. This is again a new step towards the disruption of the industry and in line with our sustainability goals to enable low carbon transport of renewable fuel.”
Marius Blom, CEO, Blom Maritime, said: “Blom Maritime is proud to be part of this exciting project. We are a strong supporter of the work the maritime industry is doing to switch to more environmentally friendly power systems and are proud to be part of the Hykotank project funded by Horizon Europe. This is a milestone for greener shipping and is completely in line with the IMO/UN goals and Blom Maritime’s company vision.”
Eivind Hermansen, CEO Teco Solutions, said: “Teco Solutions is proud to participate in the Hykotank project, with financing from Horizon Europe. Our goal is to be ahead of the decarbonisation of the maritime industry and views this milestone project as a fantastic opportunity in this regard. We want to exploit our wide and long experience from maritime installations to be a valuable contributor in this important project.”
