AqualisBraemar joins hydrogen fuel cell vessel project
AqualisBraemar LOC has been appointed by Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) to partner in designing an emissions-free hydrogen fuel cell seagoing passenger and car ferry – a first for Europe. This is part of HYSEAS III, a Horizon 2020 funded project.
“AqualisBraemar understands the important role the maritime industry has to play in the global fight for climate change. While tackling marine emissions is a global responsibility, we are also proud to be supporting CMAL in its role as part of a Scottish-led consortia, in building up world-leading competence in alternative clean fuel systems which harness local marine renewable sources,” said AqualisBraemar business development manager for Europe Graham Dallas.
HYSEAS III follows HYSEAS I and HYSEAS II, and aims to build on the previous projects’ findings by demonstrating fuel cells may be successfully integrated with a proven marine hybrid-electric drive system (electric propulsion, control gear, batteries etc), along with associated hydrogen storage and bunkering arrangements.
The HYSEAS III project will develop, construct, test and validate data in a full-sized drive train on land.
AqualisBraemar’s scope of work is to design a double-ended seagoing passenger and car ferry capable of utilising the hydrogen-powered drive train and thereby running completely emissions free. In recent years, AqualisBraemar has developed a range of marine and engineering consulting services to support carbon-reduction initiatives in the maritime sector, including expertise in electrical engineering and alternative fuel integration for vessels.
The ferry will be designed around the requirements of Shapinsay in Orkney where hydrogen fuel is generated through wind power. The ferry, which will carry 16 cars or two trucks, and 120 passengers will be capable of sailing to and from any concrete 1:8 slipway where hydrogen is available locally to power the vessel.
AqualisBraemar’s operations team in Aberdeen will work with CMAL to ensure optimum sustainability in the overall vessel design, while delivering a design which meets the highest level of safety and reliability for a lifeline ferry service.
The group will also draw upon its sister company Longitude Engineering’s long track-record and reputation in vessel design, upgrade and conversions, to support the HYSEAS III project.
“AqualisBraemar and Longitude’s involvement in this project reflects our group’s commitment to being a driver – and not just a passenger – of the global energy transition. We are really excited to be working with CMAL on this ground-breaking project, which will blaze a trail for more sustainable fuel systems in global maritime and shipbuilding,” said Longitude small craft and vessel design director Dean Goves.
CMAL fleet manager and projects director John Salton said “The contract award represents a significant step forward in establishing a new, innovative vessel concept, and marks an important shift towards entirely emissions-free marine transport. Hydrogen ferries exist, but this concept is built around using hydrogen fuel cells to power a seagoing ship, the first in the UK and Europe. If successful, the next step will be to take the knowledge and know-how into building a ferry.”
The HYSEAS III consortium is comprised of CMAL (Scotland), Kongsberg Gruppen (Norway), Ballard (Denmark), Orkney Isles Council (Scotland), St Andrew University (Scotland), McPhy (France), Arcsilea (England) and Interferry (Sweden).
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