HAV Hydrogen’s containerized H2 system for ships gets DNV’s blessing

Norwegian supplier of hydrogen-based energy systems for vessels HAV Hydrogen, a subsidiary of HAV Group, has received Approval in Principle (AiP) from DNV for its deck-based containerized hydrogen (H2) system for ships.

Courtesy of HAV Hydrogen

The approval, awarded six months after the company announced its plans to launch the systems, marks an important milestone for HAV Hydrogen in bringing the new Zero Emission Pod system onto the market and engaging with customers on the first commercial installations of the systems.

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“We have developed and received an AiP for a turnkey engine room. The AiP is based on a 20-foot container that not only contains the hydrogen fuel cells, but also the equipment required to safely run it”, said Kristian Osnes, Managing Director of HAV Hydrogen.

As described, the Zero Emission Pod is a turnkey, standalone power pod where all support and safety systems as well as electrical power management are included. By using 200kW hydrogen fuel cells, the system is flexible and can easily provide 1,000 kW within the footprint of a standard 20 container. By combining multiple containers, using larger modules or dedicated space below deck, multi-megawatt energy systems will also be available.

The installed effect can be used for the main propulsion systems, or for additional power supply on board the vessel to comply with green operation standards. Quayside, the hydrogen system can ensure sufficient green power supply to the vessel, which does not need to rely on onshore charging infrastructure to achieve zero-emission status.

The AiP means that the H2 system is compliant with the current rules of the class society and applicable statutory regulations. It also confirms that the design is feasible and that no significant obstacles exist to prevent it from being realized.

“We would like to congratulate HAV Hydrogen AS on being awarded the AiP for their Hydrogen Containerized Power Plant,” said Monika Johannessen, Head of Department – Gas Technology, Piping & Safety at DNV. “To keep shipping relevant over the long term, we need every possible option on the table and hydrogen can be an important part of the shift towards more sustainable shipping.”

According to the developer, the system that aims to fast-track the commercial use of hydrogen as ship fuel has sparked an interest among shipowners from multiple industry sectors, including offshore wind, oil and gas, RoRo shipping, cargo, inland shipping and fishing.

“Given that necessary infrastructure is in place, all a shipowner needs to do is to clear sufficient deck space and hook it up to the vessel’s power system”, Osnes explained.

The company currently considers short-sea cargo, inland water cargo, and passenger transport to be the most relevant industry segments for its containerized Zero Emission Pod system, while offshore wind is expected to grow in relevance as emission regulations continue to be tightened.

HAV Hydrogen said it will be ready to start manufacturing the Zero Emission Pod H2 containers during the second half of 2023, aiming for the first deliveries in 2024.