HyShip

The HyShip project addresses one of the key challenges in the European waterborne transport sector: demonstrating the feasibility of liquid hydrogen (LH2) as a zero-emission fuel for short-sea shipping. Its overarching goal is to accelerate the transition toward hydrogen-powered vessels by developing, validating, and operating large-scale hydrogen fuel systems in real-world maritime operations. The project has two primary aims: Technology Demonstration: Develop and validate efficient, scalable hydrogen propulsion systems, including a 3.2 MW proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) system and a 17-ton liquid hydrogen storage solution. These systems will be installed and operated on a container ship, which will be in full commercial service for 18 months. The demonstration also includes the engineering, procurement, and operation of a dedicated liquid hydrogen bunkering facility to supply the vessels with fuel. System Integration: Embed the ship demonstration into a larger socio-technical framework, including viable business models, supportive policy models, LH2 supply chains, and bunkering infrastructure, enabling the shipping sector to transition effectively to liquid hydrogen. To achieve these aims, the project will deliver: An advanced energy management system for optimizing onboard operations, ensuring safety and reducing operating costs. Efficient ship design methods that lower costs and shorten timelines for developing complex vessels with novel fuel and bunkering systems. Detailed engineering of onboard LH2 systems and the associated bunkering facilities in ports. Hull and propulsion designs targeting a 40% reduction in energy consumption compared to conventional ships of similar size and type. Risk-based design and operational strategies to meet class and flag approvals, contributing to the development of international safety regulations for hydrogen-powered ships. A business ecosystem blueprint for cost-efficient LH2-powered shortsea shipping in Europe, including a deployment timeline. A real-world demonstration of more than 3,000 operational hours in total on the Oslo–Rotterdam route, including port manoeuvring and bunkering operations. Replication strategies for applying LH2 solutions to other ship types and maritime segments. The demonstration vessel will primarily carry cargo, but will also be able to transport liquid hydrogen as cargo on deck. Nav Tech is responsible for shipbuilding, LH2 Shipping for the development and operation of the bunkering infrastructure, and Smaskip for ship operations. The vessels will be capable of operating 100% emission-free when using liquid hydrogen powered Fuel Cells in combination with batteries.