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OSV owner to use green hydrogen to power emissions-free flagship
In a world first, an offshore support vessel is running on green hydrogen, fuel cells and batteries creating emissions-free operations while reducing vibrations and underwater noise
Headquartered at the mouth of the Elbe river in Germany, Offshore Service Gesellschaft has seen significant reductions in its emissions after running the world’s first offshore support vessel on pressurised hydrogen fuel.
Jifmar-owned offshore support vessel (OSV) Coastal Liberty is operating on green hydrogen in the protected marine reserve area around the Wadden Sea using a DNV-approved, containerised module housing fuel cells and batteries.
According to the Cuxhaven, Germany-headquartered vessel operator’s chief executive, Jochen Kaufholt, using green hydrogen also reduces vibrations on board the 1997-built OSV and enables “more direct propulsion and immediate response in the propeller shafts.”
He describes Coastal Liberty as “a first of its kind and a flagship for the maritime energy transition in Europe.”
At 42.75-m long and 328 gross tonnes, the vessel operates from Cuxhaven supplying energy projects in shallow waters of the Wadden Sea and North Sea. The vessel has an eCap Marine containerised hydrogen-electric energy system on board, and after class approval from DNV in February 2024 and trials using hydrogen, the company took the decision to switch to green hydrogen for the vessel’s main source of energy.
Offshore Service Gesellschaft said trials have verified that switching, disconnecting and reconnecting the hydrogen tanks is a safe, reliable and uncomplicated operation due to the toolless design and standard connections for cranes and lorries. eCap Marine said it designed the three swappable high-pressure fuel tanks and distribution system in alignment with the existing rules and regulations, requiring transport of the units between the vessel and a refuelling electrolyser by lorry.
According to eCap Marine managing director, Lars Ravens, the green hydrogen power system is scalable up to megawatt-sized designs for larger commercial ships and longer voyages as well as smaller inland vessels. The system uses Ballard FCwave 200-kW fuel cells, a maritime battery system from Lehmann Marine, a fire extinguishing system, tank units, a custom power management module, and the requisite cooling and safety equipment and systems.
The companies say that green hydrogen for the installed fuel cells will be produced locally and sustainably, using offshore wind power on an electrolyser hydrogen plant near the vessel’s berth in Cuxhaven that was installed to support the fuel cell project. The electrolyser system is designed to expand, if needed, to meet higher demands.
Riviera’s fifth internationally focused Maritime Hybrid, Electric & Hydrogen Fuel Cells Conference returns to Bergen, Norway, on 29-31 October 2024 to bring together leading vessel owners, energy companies, port authorities, regulators, class, technology and battery manufacturers. Purchase tickets, register and view the programme here.
Riviera’s Offshore Support Journal Conference, Middle East will return to Dubai, UAE, 11-12 December 2024, bringing together the industry’s leading vessel owners, oil and gas companies, EPC contractors, technology and service providers to discuss opportunities, challenges and strategies to succeed in a booming offshore market. Get your tickets on early bird rates. Early bird offer ends 31 October 2024
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