Ulstein’s first hydrogen-powered design “now market-ready”
Illustration of the DP2 construction support vessel (Source: Ulstein Design & Solutions BV)
Ulstein subsidiary, Ulstein Design & Solutions BV, has developed a hydrogen-powered DP2 construction support vessel, using a Nedstack fuel cell power system which, it claims, can be delivered within three years.
The Ulstein SX190 Zero Emission DP2 vessel is described as the ‘first complete hydrogen-fuelled prospect’ and has been developed, together with fuel cell specialist Nedstack, to undertake a wide range of offshore support operations.
The SX190 is capable of operating for four days in zero-emissions mode, Ulstein said, but a target endurance of two weeks is thought possible in light of the rapid development of hydrogen storage and fuel cell technologies. For the moment, the vessel’s diesel-electric system can operate on low-sulphur diesel when necessary. The ship will have total installed power of 7.5 MW, of which 2 MW will be provided by the proton exchange membrane fuel cell system.
Commenting on the development, Ulstein Group deputy CEO, Tore Ulstein, said: “The maritime industry needs to align and be ambitious in bringing green solutions forward for a sustainable future. With this hydrogen-fuelled vessel, we aim for future zero-emission operations of long endurance.” Sea trials of a new SX190 Zero Emission vessel could begin as soon as 2022.
