The grant has been signed by the European Union and the funding comes under the HORIZON EUROPE scheme, with the project planned to begin in February 2023.

Under project plans, the HyEkoTank 18.600DWT hydrogen-powered tanker will facilitate a 2.4MW fuel cell system and hold 4,000kg of compressed hydrogen storage.

The effort will demonstrate zero emissions at berth and could reduce up to 60% of greenhouse gases (GHG) during voyage.

It is believed that HyEkoTank could become a ‘first mover’ in the maritime shipping segment, contributing to EU climate targets.

As part of the EU’s European Green Deal, commitments have been made to reduce GHG emissions by 55% by 2030, with a target of achieving Net Zero by 2050.

Read more: TECO 2030, Shell and partners to receive €5m to realise hydrogen-powered tanker

Tore Enger, Group CEO of TECO 2030, commented, “I am pleased with the tremendous efforts dedicated by all the consortium partners to this project; together we will show the world what fuel cells are capable of when retrofitting a product tanker for Ektank.”

Other project partners include Shell International Trading and Shipping Company, Shell International Exploration and Production, Ektank, Blom Maritime, TECO Solutions, Umoe Advanced Composities (UAC), FKAB Marine Design, Neste Oyj and the Artic University of Norway (UiT).

Enger added, “I am grateful to the EU who wants to assist us in realising a retrofit fuel cell project for reducing and eliminating emissions along the European coastlines.”

Carl Henrickson, General Manager Technology, Innovation and Digitalisation at Shell Shipping and Maritime, said “Our target is to be a Net Zero emissions energy business by 2050.

“Shell will purchase the fuel cell system and provide the renewable hydrogen to power this pioneering project as we continue to drive innovation to deliver the cleaner energy solutions that our customers need.”