Norwegian cleantech company Teco 2030 has launched its hydrogen powered tanker concept, ‘Hy-Ekotank’, together with partners Ektank, Shell Shipping and Maritime, and DNV, which through retrofitting fuel cells with compressed or liquid hydrogen storage on existing Ektank vessels, aims to eliminate emissions in port and reduce up to 100% of GHG emissions on voyages.
Teco 2030 believes the concept could become a first mover in the tanker segment and contribute to 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.
The partners have identified an 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.
Jörgen Johnsson, CEO Ektank, said: “We are pleased to contribute with our high-quality and 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.”
Stephen Brown, Technology Manager, Shell Shipping and Maritime, 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. We’re partnering with customers, businesses, and others to address emissions. This pioneering fuel cell concept will reduce carbon emissions in the maritime sector. We’ll continue to drive innovation to provide the cleaner energy that our customers need.”
Tore Enger, Group CEO, Teco 2030, concluded: “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.”
