H2 View understands, the concept design will allow existing LNG infrastructure to be utilised and enable hydrogen production, in combination with Wärtsilä’s LNGPac Fuel Gas Supply System.

By producing hydrogen onboard and blending it with LNG, it is hoped the carbon dioxide and methane emissions from Wärtsilä’s current fuel flexible engines can be reduced. The partners have said the by-product from the process is solid carbon which can be easily stored and managed onboard.

In principle, the technology can be applied to all vessels operating on LNG fuel, according to the companies, adding if bio-LNG is used, the solution would see power generation on board ships reach a carbon-negative footprint.

With the concept design expected to be ready by mid 2023, the companies hope the prototype testing unit will reach completion during the second half of 2024.

“This collaboration with Hycamite is an important step forward towards meeting our corporate targets,” said Mathias Jansson, Director of Fuel Gas Supply Systems at Wärtsilä. “Our gas engines can already operate with mixtures of hydrogen and LNG. The ability to produce the hydrogen onboard opens up exciting new opportunities. This solution overcomes the lack of an existing hydrogen supply infrastructure.”

Jansson added that the concept support reducing safety risks around storing and handling liquid hydrogen.

Laura Rahikka, founder, and CEO of Hycamite, commented, “We are delighted to be partnering with an established technology leader such as Wärtsilä. They bring a vast depth of knowledge and experience in marine fuel gas supply systems, and by working together, we can make the availability and onboard storage of hydrogen a realistic option for the marine industry.”