The project will include the demonstration of a 4000kg compressed hydrogen storage system in 2024.

Engineering and equipment development company TECO 2030, along with its consortium, has received €5m in grants from the European Union for the HyEkoTank project.

The financing has been granted under the funding scheme HORIZON EUROPE.

Under the HyEkoTank project, which is planned to commence in February next year, TECO 2030 will retrofit a 2.4MW fuel cell system on the 18.600 deadweight tonnage (DWT) product tanker.

The project will also include the demonstration of a 4000kg compressed hydrogen storage system in 2024.

TECO 2030 Group CEO Tore Enger said: “I am pleased with the tremendous efforts dedicated by all the consortium partners to this project; together we will show the world what fuel cells are capable of when retrofitting a product tanker for Ektank.”

HyEkoTank hydrogen-powered tanker is expected to attain zero emissions at berth and a significant reduction of GHG emissions during voyage.

This project is expected to have a significant contribution to achieving climate targets set by the European Union (EU).

The EU aims to lower GHG emissions by 55% by 2030 and achieve climate neutrality by 2050, as part of the European Green Deal.

At present, the EU is focused on the development of climate, energy and transport-related legislation to align current laws with the 2030 and 2050 ambitions, as part of the ‘Fit for 55 package’.

Shell Shipping and Maritime Technology, Innovation & Digitalisation general manager Carl Henrickson said: “Shell is proud to be a part of this fuel cell project, which aims to demonstrate the viability of hydrogen as a zero-carbon fuel for the maritime sector.

“Our target is to be a net-zero emissions energy business by 2050 and to accelerate this transition we are partnering with customers and businesses from across the sectors.”

Source : Ship Technology