The workshop was the third dissemination event by H2SHIPS and focused on decarbonising EU ports with hydrogen and was co-organised by BDI from the REDII Ports project and Steinbeis 2i from H2SHIPS.
It included a presentation of both projects and expert talk which dove deeper into the studies or R&D in the frame of the projects.
H2SHIPS Presentation by Christian-Frédéric Berthon
The H2SHIPS project aims to build sustainable ecosystems for hydrogen-fuelled ships. Its objectives include understanding the requirements for a successful hydrogen transition, convincing stakeholders to participate and invest, and demonstrating new hydrogen applications for shipping. The project developed an action plan in Paris and is constructing a refuelling station in Ostend. The Neo Orbis, a port vessel in Amsterdam, will store hydrogen in the form of a powder.
Expert Talk: Innovative Hydrogen Production for Ships - NaBH4 by Klaas Visser
NaBH4 is a solid, non-toxic, and non-explosive fuel that can be regenerated once depleted. The SH2IPDRIVE project analyses different hydrogen storage systems and vessel types. The Neo Orbis is still in construction but will be sailing by the end of the summer and the first inland cargo ship running on hydrogen das completed its maiden voyage (Future Proof Shipping), and future plans include sea trials, modularisation of hydrogen systems, and exploring borohydrides as energy carriers.
REDII Ports Presentation by Florentin Guilbault
The REDII Ports project focuses on renewable energy development and implementation in ports. The project investigates various technologies, and the Brittany region is working on transnational collaboration, hydrogen development, and assessing ammonia potential. The port of Brest is the reference port for this study.
Expert Talk: Study of H2 Boats in Brittany by Anthony Dobaire
The study examines hydrogen ships in Brittany and their role in decarbonising maritime transport. Brittany has a promising local ecosystem for building hydrogen boats, with a large fleet and many shipyards. Lessons learned include the suitability of short sea shipping, PEMFC fuel cells as a mature solution, and the importance of stakeholder training.
General Roundtable and Q&A
The audience raised questions about the environmental footprint and cost-effectiveness of NaBH4, hydrogen projects in the Mediterranean, the role of ports in the hydrogen transition, and the projects' focus on green hydrogen production.
In conclusion, the workshop highlighted the progress and potential of hydrogen-fuelled ships in decarbonising EU ports. The H2SHIPS and REDII Ports projects presented their initiatives, including the development of refuelling stations, hydrogen storage systems, and the study of hydrogen-powered boats. The discussions emphasised the importance of collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and technological advancements to achieve a successful hydrogen transition in the maritime sector.
Images
1 – Speakers of workshop 15 on “Decarbonising EU ports with hydrogen” during the EMD in Brest
2 – Presentation of the French action plan by H2SHIPS coordinator Christian-Frédéric Berthon
3 – Presentation of the SH2IPDRIVE project by Klass Visser from TU Delft
4 – Presentation of the REDII ports project by Florentin Guilbault from BDI
5 – Speech on H2 boats study in Brittany by Anthony Dobaire from BDI
6 – Moderator, organisers and speakers of the workshop
