Skip to main content
Southampton Solent University logo
Southampton Solent University logo

Implementation of Ship Hybridisation

In response to a global call for the shipping industry to reduce its carbon emissions, Solent University is part of a research and innovation collaboration that has been awarded almost €16 million to look at the options for green technology in the maritime industry.

Enabled by funding from the Interreg 2 Seas programme (part of the European Regional Development Fund) and private investment the work will help the industry to lower carbon emissions.

Interreg ISHY logo

Solent project lead, Dr Laurie Wright, says: “While shipping is the most efficient mode of transport per distance travelled, if the carbon emissions from the shipping industries were combined this would rank as the sixth biggest country for emissions in the world.  Until recently shipping has been largely absent from discussions on tackling climate change and air pollution. Now, policy makers, operators, owners, and others in the maritime industry are starting to take action.”

With 43 observer partners, the project covers the UK, Belgium, Netherlands and France. Starting in February 2019 the project will run until 2022, and aims to test and validate a number of technical tools and business models for the implementation of hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell technologies in ships and ports. The ultimate goal is the introduction of low-carbon shipping technologies in a very conservative sector. This project will pilot the following:

  • Construction of a CTV (crew transfer vessel) with hydrogen propulsion.
  • Retrofitting of a barge with a hydrogen-based propulsion system.
  • Construction of a new passenger vessel with hydrogen propulsion system.
  • Installation of hybrid configuration in a small inspection vessel.
  • Development of a hydrogen fuel cell module for use in various types of ships.
  • Concept of hydrogen bunker facilities for a port.

Partner organisations

Organisation
Type
Country
Slide
Autonoom Gemeentebedrijf Haven Oostende
Business development
Belgium
NV Economische Impuls Zeeland
Business support
Netherlands
Solent University
University faculty
UK
WaterstofNet
SME
Belgium
Rondvaartbedrijf Zilvermeeuw bv
SME
Netherlands
Technische Universiteit Delft
University faculty
Netherlands
Université Polytechnique Hauts-de-France
University faculty
France
GEO Aqua bvba
SME
Belgium
Yerseke Engine Services BV
SME
Netherlands
Hybrid Marine Ltd
SME
UK
.solutions BV
SME
Netherlands
Lloyd's Register EMEA
SME
UK
Katholieke Hogeschool Vives Zuid
University faculty
Belgium
Vera Cruz Shipping bvba
SME
Belgium
Parkwind
Enterprise
Belgium