Emissions from shipping and ports are a major problem especially in ports near cities and major centres of population.  The aim of this project is to reduce pollution and noise through the introduction of  green hydrogen as a zero emission fuel for vessels and for port infrastructure.  The port infrastructure would include forklifts, cranes and lifts etc. The introduction of fuel cell technology could have a major effect on pollution particularly NOX and particulates as well reducing CO2 levels.

The project would develop port infrastructure measures such as bunkering and green hydrogen production so that hydrogen fuel cell ships and ferries can operate successfully.  Working with a variety of different size ports across the North Sea Region, the project will design, develop and take vessels to the procurement stage; introduce new port infrastructure for hydrogen vessels and trial fuel cells in forklifts, cranes,  lifts and other equipment needed in the port infrastructure. 

Outputs would include the design of at least one hydrogen fuel cell or hybrid vessel; the introduction of port infrastructure to allow fuel cell vessels to operate effectively; testing of port ecosystem equipment such as cranes, forklifts and lifts against traditional and other Alternative Fuels.

The North Sea Region is one of the areas with the highest ship densities in the world.  It is also an Emission Control Area and Alternative Fuels like hydrogen need to be introduced to reduce pollution in ports near large centres of population.

Province of Groningen, Netherlands; Saga Fjordbase, Norway and Flora Municipality, Norway

Ports, shipping lines, universities, and local authorities in the North Sea Region