'The art of the possible' revealed at Hybrid, Electric & Hydrogen Fuel Cells Conference 

Insights at October’s Maritime Hybrid, Electric & Hydrogen Fuel Cells Conference, 2023 in Bergen helped delegates contextualise ’the art of the possible’ amid technology constraints, commercial realities and infrastructure limitations.

Across three days presentations offered delegates an inside look at the decarbonisation strategies and technology roadmaps of vessel operators. Essential details on the efficiency gains that are possible through optimising existing assets were discussed. Pragmatic pathways for near term emissions reductions with minimal disruption to current business models were assessed. The case for incremental improvements versus capital-intensive newbuilds keenly debated.

Papers that talked about operator plans to expand battery storage and explore hybrid propulsion highlighted available technologies while setting expectations on the scale of adoption realistically achievable in the near term. Delegates appreciated the papers’ useful datapoints for benchmarking their own transition timelines.

There was focus on leveraging readily available lower-carbon fuels like methanol  as well as more speculative options like hydrogen or ammonia, allowing those present to refine their own scenario planning.

Emerging innovations were also showcased including planned offshore charging pilot projects. For delegates these presentations offered a window on a potential enabler for zero emission battery electric vessels once scaled and a means to more accurately assess the applicability of such innovations for their own fleets.

National policy levers like incentives, regulations, and public-private partnerships were also discussed as well as the critical safety risks around lithium-ion battery adoption, including thermal runaway and fire hazards. 

For those considering electrification of their fleets there were a number of case studies including a very well received one on the emissions and cost benefits of battery-electric retrofits for inland waterway vessels. 

The port perspective was in full view with port incentive programs and infrastructure investments to enable sustainable shipping reviewed. These were especially useful for those looking to leverage port partnerships.

Social and networking opportunities were as diverse as the delegates and the conference programmes. Highlights included a vessel visit which combined ’seminar, ship visit and socialising’. There was also a well attended reception at a local Italian townhouse restaurant, where delegates were able to mix and mingle over three floors. 

Riviera’s Maritime Hybrid, Electric & Hydrogen Fuel Cells Conference is scheduled to return to Bergen in October 2024.