TECO 2030, in collaboration with BLOM Maritime and Samskip, has received a grant for a pre-project to equip Samskip’s vessel Kvitnos with TECO 2030 fuel cells and hydrogen fuel.
This concept promises to drastically cut emissions from this LNG-powered tanker, which now performs a weekly multifunctional service from Rotterdam, Netherlands, and along the majority of Norway’s coastline to Hammerfest.
By transitioning to zero-emission hydrogen technology, these partners contribute to their objective of lowering GHG emissions.
The project’s purpose is to prepare for an investment decision to adapt Kvitnos. The vessel’s established path will also make it easier to secure long-term hydrogen fuel supply contracts.
BLOM Maritime said it will work with naval architects, pipeline engineers, and structural engineers to create the documentation required for preliminary approval of the fuel cell and hydrogen solution.
Samskip Regional Director Norway and Sweden, Are Grathen, said: “We will continue our endeavor to enable full zero emission propulsion which in turn will further pave the way for our H2-propelled new-builds coming out next year and bring us closer to our net-zero targets for 2040.”
Samskip Head of Fleet Management, Erik Hofmeester, stated: “Samskip embraces every opportunity to reduce CO2 emissions either through using biofuels, CO2 capture-systems, shore-power, innovative newbuilding vessels , and now also into retro-fits solutions.”
Tore Enger, Group CEO of TECO 2030, said: “This grant shows our capability to help our clients secure public funding for smaller pre-studies, this means they can focus on progress towards their ultimate goals of zero-emission shipping. Our fuel cell technology is a great match for retrofitting the existing fleet to operate with environment-friendly propulsion along the coast.”
In March, Samskip introduced a shortsea container service that links Santander, Tilbury and Rotterdam.