The pilot programme is set to see a CTV powered by a dual-fuel solution, capable of using hydrogen in a combination with marine gas oil, tested at the Nother Wind Farm, Belgium from July 15 until the end of 2022.

H2 View understands the trial hopes to collect insights into the opportunities and limitations of hydrogen-powered vessels in Vestas daily operations. Vestas have said the new CTV could cut carbon dioxide emissions by 37%, which it aims to verify during the project.

At present, the Danish firm has said the CTV will be mostly powered by grey hydrogen, although says it has plans to develop a pathway for green hydrogen in its offshore operations for once the clean fuel becomes more widely available.

Christian Venderby, Executive Vice-President of Service for Vestas, said, “Hard to abate sectors, such as shipping, will be the final frontier in our global journey towards decarbonisation.

“Hydrogen is a crucial technology to advance this journey, which is why Vestas is eager to test its potential to reduce emissions from our service operations.  A broader application of decarbonising technologies can only progress with support from industry leaders, which is why Vestas is proud to be driving this pilot.”

UK-based Windcat Workboats have revealed the dual-fuel vessel being used in the trial was developed in partnership with its sister company CMB.TECH, which revealed in 2019 it was constructing the ‘world’s first’ hydrogen-powered tugboat.

Read more: Port of Antwerp orders “world’s first” hydrogen-powered tug

Willem van der Wel, Managing Director of Windcat Workboats, commented, “By using dual fuel combustion engines, we can make hydrogen technology operational in the industry and kick-start further development of the technology, regulation, supply chain, etc.

“Collaborations like these are what is needed to be able to scale this technology further and we thank Vestas for taking this first step.”