TECO 2030, partners launch hydrogen tanker concept

Norwegian cleantech company TECO 2030 has introduced a hydrogen-powered tanker concept, Hy-Ekotank, together with its partners Ektank AB, Shell Shipping and Maritime, and DNV.

TECO 2030
Proposed concept Hy-Ekotank. Retrofit installation of fuel cells with compressed or liquid hydrogen storage on existing Ekotank vessels. Courtesy of TECO 2030

The hydrogen-powered tanker will allow zero emissions at berth, and up to 100% reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during voyage, according to TECO 2030.

This pioneering concept could become a first mover in this maritime shipping segment and contribute to the developments of achieving the ambitious climate targets committed by the European Union.

As part of the European Green Deal, the EU has committed to reducing GHG emissions by 55% by 2030, and a binding target of achieving climate neutrality by 2050. Under the ‘Fit for 55 package’ the EU is currently developing its climate, energy and transport-related legislation to align current laws with the 2030 and 2050 ambitions.

It is therefore a great and ever-increasing need for technological innovation in zero-emission solutions developed for maritime transport, in particular for retrofitting of existing ships. Switching from traditional petroleum-based marine fuels to zero-carbon alternatives such as hydrogen can drastically shrink shipping’s climate impact.

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“We are pleased to contribute with our … energy-efficient vessels towards the development of zero-emission technologies to meet environmental demands and regulations. We are delighted with how suitable our vessels fit into the concept of Hy-Ekotank which is aligned perfectly with our company’s environmental strategy,” Jörgen Johnsson, CEO Ektank AB, said.

“We’re working with our customers and across sectors to accelerate the transition to Net-Zero Emissions. We will contribute to a Net-Zero world, where society stops adding to the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere. That’s why we’ve set a target to become a Net-Zero Emissions energy business by 2050… This pioneering fuel cell concept will reduce carbon emissions in the maritime sector…” Stephen Brown, Technology Manager, Shell Shipping and Maritime, commented.

“We are humble to work on Hy-Ekotank with Ektank, Shell and DNV, as we believe these partners are a perfect match. With a cargo owner, shipowner, classification society, and a fuel cell provider, we will show the world what hydrogen is capable of doing for the maritime shipping industry. Remember it is all about eliminating emissions, and increasing value-adding activities,” Tore Enger, Group CEO, TECO 2030, concluded.

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