An innovative project, supported by the UK’s national innovation agency, Innovate UK, is underway to retrofit a Crew Transfer Vessel (CTV) with hydrogen fuel cells. The initiative, named Project Verdant, is designed to reduce CO2 and NOx emissions associated with servicing offshore wind farms.
Led by Orkney-based Green Marine, a company supporting the offshore renewable energy sector in Europe, the project’s first phase involves a preliminary design and feasibility study. If the concept proves viable, subsequent phases will focus on executing the design and field testing.
Green Marine aims to capture valuable insights from the operation of the retrofitted vessel to expand its fleet with new-build Zero Emissions Crew Transfer Vessels (ZE CTVs) and ultimately Service Operation Vessels (SOVs). These vessels would support installation and maintenance activities in offshore wind farms in the UK and beyond.
Project partners include Waves Group and EMEC (European Marine Energy Centre), with Waves Group assisting in solving technical and regulatory challenges associated with the project. The conceptual design involves hydrogen fuel cells connected to electric motors, working in tandem with existing diesel engines. The hybrid system could potentially reduce the vessel’s CO2 emissions by up to 30% and NOx emissions by up to 40%.
Kenneth English, Associate Director and marine engineer at Waves Group, highlighted the project’s significance, stating, “This feasibility study will form the foundation for the use of hydrogen as a marine fuel in the CTV market.” Waves Group aims to contribute its knowledge of handling alternative marine fuels and practical engineering expertise to support the innovative project.
Project Verdant benefits from EMEC’s expertise in economic modeling, refueling logistics, and safety advice. The project aligns with global efforts to reduce emissions from the shipping industry, responsible for 940 million tonnes of CO2, approximately 2.5% of the world’s total CO2 emissions. The International Maritime Organisation has set a target to cut these emissions by 50% by 2050.
For more information, contact Green Marine at [email protected] or visit www.greenmarineuk.com.
