Salmar will be responsible for using and operating the world’s first hydrogen-powered work vessel for aquaculture, which will be ready for operation in Q2 2024.
Moen Verft and Marin Design, with the support of Enova, have built this hydrogen boat that will store 120 kilograms of hydrogen in a total of four tanks from Hexagon.
Through the Pilot-E program, Moen Marin published that this catamaran has a 276 kWh battery in addition to the four hydrogen tanks. Also, a fuel cell from ZEM AS with a capacity of 145 kW will be installed. This vessel will be a zero-emission boat and will reduce 300 tons of CO2e emissions per year.
During the construction process, a pilot facility was established on Kråkøya in Nærøysund, where the hydrogen will be produced thanks to the water and wind power.
According to Moen Marin, the facility, established by NTE and H2 Marine, "will serve as a charging station for the hydrogen vessel and for the production, storage, and bunkering of green hydrogen."
In 2020, the Research Council of Norway allocated more than NOK 150 million to 13 projects to develop hydrogen-based technology. On the other hand, PILOT-E has allocated NOK 70 million for zero-emission ocean-going transport solutions.
Norwegian participation in IPCEI (Important Projects of Common European Interest) for hydrogen was an important part of the Government’s roadmap for hydrogen.