TECO 2030 and partners kick off EU-funded hydrogen tanker project

The project, which was awarded a €5.0M (US$5.3M) grant under the Horizon Europe funding scheme, began 1 February and will run for 3 years, with the ultimate goal of eliminating emissions during voyages and in port.

The HyEko Tank project will see the partners retrofit a 18,600-dwt product tanker with a 2.4-MW fuel-cell system developed by TECO 2030 and 4,000-kg compressed hydrogen storage for demonstration in 2024. The hydrogen-powered tanker will allow zero emissions in port, and up to a 100% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions during voyages.

TECO 2030 chief executive Tore Enger said, “I am excited to see the support from the European Union and Shell in realising a retrofit project with the goal of demonstrating zero-emissions voyages and port operations. This is one of the largest marine fuel-cell projects in the world I am aware of, and we will do our best to prove that fuel cells are the name of the game in decarbonising heavy-duty marine applications.”

“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.”

“Shell will purchase the fuel-cell system and provide the renewable hydrogen to power this pioneering project as we continue to drive innovation to deliver the cleaner energy solutions our customers need,” said Shell Shipping and Maritime general manager technology, innovation and digitalisation, Carl Henrickson. 

Including TECO 2030 and Shell, the HyEko Tank project involves Ektank, Blom Maritime, TECO Solutions, Umoe Advanced Composites, FKAB Marine Design, Neste Oyj, and UiT - The Arctic University of Norway.