Based on 200kW hydrogen fuel cell modules, the containerised solution is a stand-alone, scalable power supply integrating support and safety systems as well as electrical power management, according to HAV.

The firm says by using a standard 20-foot shipping container, 1,000kW output can be achieved, but combining several containers or using larger containers, larger capacity energy systems will also be available.

The system has been designed to be used as the main propulsion system or for additional power on board the vessel, offering zero emissions.

Kristian Osnes, Managing Director at HAV Hydrogen, said, “The containerised, deck-based system is our response to shipowners who want a retrofit option that represents significantly lower cost and risk for vessels that have not already been prepared for a conventional retrofit installation below deck. Whereas for newbuild vessels it can be a solution that reduces risk and complexity for a technology that is new to most shipyards.

“Our containerised solution can be the quick route to zero emission for many vessel types. It is easy to install and enables the customer a quicker route through the challenging approval process for hydrogen systems and significant risk reduction by obtaining a turnkey solution for a fixed price. This will in turn allow us to utilise different financing models as we believe this will be necessary to get the zero-emission market up and running.”

The containerised solution is based on the hydrogen-based energy system developed in the FreeCO2ast project, which the Norwegian Maritime Authority and DNV granted preliminary approval for earlier this year (2022).

Read more: Preliminary approval brings hydrogen-powered ships closer to Norway