Hydrogène de France (HDF Energy) leads the group to develop the so-called ELEMANTA H2 project, and today (July 4) announced the signing of an agreement to deploy a mobile green hydrogen refuelling unit for container ships, cruise ships and tankers.

Working with Améthyste, ArianeGroupe, Cetim, Rubis Terminal, and Sofresid, HDF have said  the ELEMENTA H2 is planned to refuel ship generators, typically used to power electrical systems on while at berth in ports.

Port of Rouen and Rubis Terminal, France, have been identified by the partners as a pilot site, where a demonstration barge will integrate a hydrogen fuel cell system and high-pressure green hydrogen storage.

The group has said, ELEMENTA H2 is set to be commissioned in 2025, offering a low-carbon alternative to diesel generators currently powering ships at berth, which could cut carbon dioxide emissions by 85%.

HDF has said the objective of the project is to standardise and replicate the solution in main European ports, including large hydrogen hub projects.

A Hydrogen Europe report in 2021, discussed how hydrogen could be a crucial factor in decarbonising the maritime sector, with ports having the opportunity to become hydrogen hub.

Read more: Hydrogen crucial to decarbonise maritime sector; unique opportunity for ports to become hydrogen hubs, report says

H2 View understands, the partners also hopes ELEMENTA H2 will enable hydrogen bunkering to meet refuelling needs of hydrogen-powered ships of the future.

Damien Havard, President of HDF Energy, commented, “HDF is proud to bring its expertise in hydrogen technologies to the development of the ELEMENTA H2 barge. Thanks to its high power fuel cell mass production plant, HDF has solutions fitted to the major challenges of decarbonising the maritime sector.”