Hydrogen Venture: Samskip Collaborates with TECO 2030 in Horizon Europe Initiative "HyEkoTank"
In a significant step towards a greener future, Samskip, a leading logistics and shipping company, has joined TECO 2030's Horizon Europe project, HyEkoTank. The project, focused on developing sustainable hydrogen solutions for maritime applications, is a collaborative effort involving eight partners from Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands.
The HyEkoTank Project: A Step Towards Decarbonization
Launched in March 2023, the HyEkoTank project aims to advance sustainable hydrogen solutions for maritime applications. The project's primary goal is to collaboratively develop zero-emission fuel cell and hydrogen technologies to decarbonize the shipping sector.
Samskip's Role in HyEkoTank
Samskip, as an industrial end-user partner, will adopt and implement these zero-emission technologies within its logistics and shipping operations. By integrating hydrogen fuel cell solutions, Samskip aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and move towards sustainable, zero-emission maritime transport.
The Kvitnos Vessel: A Test Case for Zero-Emission Technology
The vessel to be retrofitted with zero-emission technology in the HyEkoTank project is Samskip's MPP vessel, the Kvitnos. Built in 2015, the Kvitnos operates on a weekly multipurpose service from Rotterdam to Hammerfest. The retrofit, scheduled for 2025, will make the Kvitnos compliant with FuelEU Maritime and EU ETS regulations for the remainder of its expected lifetime.
Fuel Cells and Hydrogen: The Future of Maritime Energy
Fuel cells and hydrogen provide the most energy-efficient and cost-efficient fuel solution for the Kvitnos vessel. This retrofit is expected to enable the vessel to sail and maneuver emission-free in European coastal areas and Norwegian fjords, contributing to stricter requirements for container ships to reduce greenhouse gas emissions due to regulations like FuelEU Maritime and EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS).
A Collaborative Effort Towards Net-Zero Emissions
TECO 2030's Group CEO, Tore Enger, expressed his excitement about partnering with Samskip in their net-zero emission mission by 2040. Erik Hofmeester, Head of Vessel Management for Samskip, also expressed his enthusiasm, stating that using the power take-in device (PTI) with green energy enables existing vessels like the Kvitnos to sail and maneuver emission-free in European coastal areas and Norwegian fjords.
From 2030, container ships will be required to operate with zero emissions at major EU ports and when sailing in Norwegian world heritage fjords. The HyEkoTank project, with its world-leading status as the largest ongoing fuel cell retrofit project, is a significant step towards achieving this goal.
The HyEkoTank project partners include TECO 2030, BLOM Maritime, TECO Solutions, Shell International Trading and Shipping Company, Shell International Exploration and Production, Samskip, Nav-Tech, Umoe Advanced Composites, FKAB Marine Design, Tarbit Shipping, and UiT The Arctic University of Norway, with UiT serving as the project coordinator.
Samskip, with its strict decarbonization targets, hopes this collaborative effort will help them stay on schedule in their pursuit of a greener future. The latest news about the hydrogen market can be found on the specified website.
[1] HyEkoTank Project Website
- The HyEkoTank project, a collaborative effort between eight partners from Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands, is focusing on innovation in hydrogen storage and fuel cell technology to develop sustainable solutions for decarbonizing the maritime industry.
- In line with its vision for a greener future, Samskip has joined the HyEkoTank project, intending to utilize the project's advancements in renewable energy to power its logistics and shipping operations, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainability in environmental science.
- finance plays a crucial role in facilitating the development of these sustainable hydrogen solutions, as the cost-efficient nature of hydrogen and fuel cell technology is considered essential for large-scale adoption within the maritime industry.
- With the anticipated requirement for container ships to operate with zero emissions at major EU ports and in Norwegian fjords by 2030, the successful implementation of the HyEkoTank project's zero-emission technologies could significantly contribute to climate-change mitigation efforts within the maritime energy sector.
- The future of sustainable maritime transport will likely involve extensive collaboration between various stakeholders, including science, industries, and environmental-science sectors, as all work together to counteract the negative impacts of climate-change on our environment.
