Innovative Green Shipping Corridor Powered by Hydrogen and Methanol in Ulster
Key Ideas
- A project in Ulster, UK, funded by the Department for Transport, aims to establish a Green Shipping Corridor using hydrogen-powered ferries.
- The project involves generating green methanol from hydrogen and carbon dioxide to power a roll-on/roll-off freight ferry.
- The initiative includes creating a circular CO2 economy by capturing and reusing CO2 from the methanol synthesis process.
The Ulster project led by DFDS Seaways, DFDS Logistics, JG Maritime Solutions, Larne Harbour, and Mutual Energy has successfully secured funding as part of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition Round 4. This initiative, funded by the UK Department for Transport and Innovate UK, focuses on decarbonizing the UK domestic maritime sector. The project aims to establish a 'NI/GB Green Shipping Corridor' between Northern Ireland and the Northwest of England using a hydrogen-powered freight ferry. The ferry will be fueled by green methanol generated in the Port of Larne from green hydrogen and carbon dioxide. By capturing CO2 from an onboard reformer and returning it to the methanol synthesis plant, a circular CO2 economy is created, ensuring a sustainable process. Utilizing wind power to run a 150MWe electrolyser that produces green hydrogen, the project guarantees 'true-zero' emissions without relying on limited supplies of bio-derived CO2 or carbon offsetting. The technology will be tested through techno-economic modelling and pre-deployment trials at the Port of Larne, showcasing the potential for a greener maritime sector.