Innovate UK is aiming to retrofit a CTV (Crew Transfer Vessel) with hydrogen fuel cells, to cut CO2 and NOx emissions while servicing offshore wind farms. Phase 1 of Project Verdant is now underway involving a preliminary design and feasibility study.
If the concept is deemed viable subsequent project phases will seek to execute the concept design and test it in the field. The project consortium is led by Orkney-based Green Marine which supports the offshore renewable energy sector across Europe with marine engineering services and a fleet of workboats, crew transfer vessels, heavy lift and transportation barges. It is being supported by project partners Waves Group and EMEC (European Marine Energy Centre).
Project Verdant’s conceptual design incorporates hydrogen fuel cells that are connected to electric motors, which can work in conjunction with the existing diesel-fuelled engines, which can be shut down to enable zero emission operation at slow speed while working within offshore wind farms. This hybrid system could reduce the vessel’s CO2 emissions by up to 30% and NOx emissions by up to 40%.
Marine consultancy Waves Group have partnered with Green Marine and EMEC to help solve the technical and regulatory challenges associated with this innovative project.
