HAV Hydrogen secures fresh funding for H2 energy system for ships

HAV Hydrogen, a subsidiary of HAV Group, has received NOK 12.4 million (around $1.18 million) in funding from Innovation Norway to build, test, and certify a full-scale prototype of a containerized hydrogen (H2) energy system for ships called Zero Emission Pod.

The Zero Emission Pod is a complete deck house where several fuel cells are mounted together with a complete hydrogen distribution system, control and safety system including an emergency shutdown system, ventilation system, cooling system, and DC/DC power distribution system.

The system received approval in principle (AiP) by DNV last year and building and testing of a full-scale prototype is a continuation of this work, HAV explained. The prototype testing will further enhance the technology readiness level and – from a shipowner’s perspective – substantially de-risk the solution.

With the $1.18 million grant, the company plans to build the prototype during 2024. Testing and certification will be conducted at SINTEF’s new test facility in Trondheim, Norway. The remaining funds required to build, test, and certify the prototype will be provided by HAV Group.

“Our system is designed based on a risk-based methodology in order to comply with the safety barrier requirements of IMO’s fuel cell guidelines. This is essential to create a mass market product that can be quickly adopted by the maritime industry. Moreover, having a physical, working product to showcase to shipowners and yards will enable an enhanced understanding of the maturity and marketability of the Zero Emission Pod,” said Kristian Osnes, Managing Director of HAV Group’s business for hydrogen-based energy systems.

“HAV Group is dedicated to enabling the green transition at sea. Adopting a safe and easy-to-install hydrogen energy system is an attractive shortcut for vessel operators and owners that are keen to decarbonise their fleet without incurring unreasonable hight costs in doing so. We are excited about contributing towards the building of the prototype and the commercial potential this can help to unlock,” commented Gunnar Larsen, CEO of HAV Group.