Coastal Liberty OSV Sets Sail with Containerized Hydrogen-electric System
Key Ideas
  • Coastal Liberty, an OSV operated by Acta Marine, now runs emission-free on green hydrogen in the Wadden Sea after a successful refit by eCap Marine.
  • The vessel received DNV class certification for its hydrogen system, which includes Ballard fuel cells, a maritime battery system, and a custom power management system.
  • The green hydrogen for the fuel cells is produced locally using offshore wind power at an electrolyzer plant near the vessel's berth, emphasizing sustainability and scalability for future applications.
  • The CEO of Offshore Service Gesellschaft hailed the Coastal Liberty as a pioneer in the maritime energy transition in Europe, showcasing the potential for larger commercial ships and inland vessels to adopt similar green technologies.
The Coastal Liberty, an offshore service supply vessel (OSV) operated by Acta Marine, has made waves by transitioning to emission-free operations powered by green hydrogen. Following a refit by eCap Marine, the 43-meter vessel now sails in the prestigious Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The deployment of eCap Marine's containerized hydrogen-electric energy system has been met with early success, as confirmed by the German clean power solutions provider. In a significant milestone, the OSV received class certification from DNV for its innovative hydrogen system, featuring dual Ballard FCwave fuel cells, a tailor-made maritime battery system, and advanced safety and cooling components. This cutting-edge design allows the vessel to function without emissions, relying on hydrogen and batteries for propulsion. To support this eco-friendly operation, the green hydrogen necessary for the fuel cells is locally manufactured using offshore wind energy at an electrolyzer plant strategically positioned near the vessel's mooring location. eCap Marine has prioritized safety and scalability in the system's design, including swappable high-pressure tanks for efficient transport between the vessel and the electrolyzer. Lars Ravens, the Managing Director of eCap Marine, highlighted the uniqueness and scalability of this hydrogen-electric system, envisioning its potential for megawatt-sized implementations on larger ships and for extended maritime journeys. Jochen Kaufholt, CEO of Offshore Service Gesellschaft, praised the Coastal Liberty as a groundbreaker in the European maritime energy transition, setting a high standard for future vessels to embrace sustainable technologies. The successful deployment of the Coastal Liberty as a hydrogen-powered vessel serves as a beacon of innovation in the maritime industry, showcasing the feasibility and benefits of green energy solutions in reducing emissions and advancing the sector's sustainability goals.
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