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HHY-freeco2ast

FreeCO2ast Project

Developing hydrogen-based energy systems for vessels

The FreeCO2ast project, part of Norway's PILOT-E programme, aims to develop hydrogen-based energy systems for large vessels, enabling zero-emission operations over long distances and at higher speeds.

PRELIMINARY APPROVAL

The FreeCo2ast project is supported by the Norwegian Research Council and Innovation Norway. Major project partners include Havila Kystruten and HAV Group's subsidiaries HAV Design, Norwegian Electric Systems and HAV Hydrogen, in addition to the research institutions Sintef Ocean and Clara Venture Labs. A key milestone was achieved when HAV Group ASA received preliminary approval for the hydrogen energy system, ZEPOD®, a significant step towards the commercial adoption of hydrogen fuel in maritime vessels.
HAV receives preliminary approval
HAV hydrogen - ZeroEmissionPOD_web

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HYDROGEN FOR VESSELS?

Talk to an expert!
Havila Kystruten_photo Per Eide

ZERO EMISSION

One of our projects involves developing a system that enables large vessels, such as Havila Kystruten’s passenger ships, over 120 metres in length, to operate along the Norwegian coast for up to 20 hours without emissions.

Beyond addressing the technical challenges, we are also focused on advancing regulatory frameworks. Through the FreeCO2ast initiative, we work closely with the Norwegian Maritime Authority, the Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection, and DNV GL to shape future solutions in this field.

Through FreeCO2ast, HAV Hydrogen is advancing zero-emission solutions to support a more sustainable maritime industry.

FUEL CELL TEST

In 2023, HAV Hydrogen and our sister company, Norwegian Electric Systems (NES), successfully tested a hydrogen fuel cell integrated with a maritime control system. This demonstration highlighted the potential for retrofitting existing vessels, including coastal cruise ships, with hydrogen-based energy solutions. The scope of the project was to test NES’ proprietary control system and interface with a hydrogen fuel cell and associated drives, including validation of the system design, software and hardware. In addition, control, safety systems and barriers for the integration of the fuel cells were tested. In the test, the hydrogen fuel cell was benchmarked against a meticulously simulated load profile, developed using advanced simulation tools from the ground-breaking FreeCO2ast project.

Learn more about the test here
HAV hydrogen_Maria og Nils-Johan_fuel celle test

FUEL CELL TEST

Watch the video from our successful test of hydrogen fuel cell with control system. Hydrogen PEM fuel cells are among the most technologically mature Zero emission solutions for large vessels sailing over relatively long distances, and HAV Hydrogen has developed a system in the pilot project ready for approval process.

"It exceeded all expectations. Truly uplifting. Now we've demonstrated that it's ready for onboard piloting on a ships."
- Kristian Osnes, Managing Director of HAV Hydrogen

What we have to say about the test

HAV Group-profile picture-Kristian Osnes -1000x1000px
Kristian OsnesManaging Director, HAV Hydrogen
“This fuel cell test brings us another step closer to realizing our objective of making the first commercial delivery of a fully integrated hydrogen-based energy system for ships”. 
F19CFE865B3644239AAFE6734D49992E
Siv Remøy-VangenManaging Director, NES
“Securing a robust interface between the hydrogen fuel cell and the control system is normally a complex and challenging task. We made it work in a short space of time, which is something we are very proud of”.