Norway’s west coast is dotted with bases serving the offshore industries, with base-to-base transport representing a heavy-duty transport route eminently suited to LH2. Providing a two-in-one solution, they will sail on a fixed schedule carrying both coastwise customer cargo and containerized liquid hydrogen (LH2) to the bunkering hubs. Going under the concept name “Topeka”, the vessels will be the first of their kind to enter commercial service. Together with our partners, Enova and aided by the Norwegian government’s ambitions, we can make Norway the Silicon Valley for maritime hydrogen globally”, says Wang.
Our goal is to start with our two Topeka vessels, and in time expand to be able to support the entire maritime industry with zero emission fuel alternatives. We have the political will here, and Wilhelmsen has a unique network along the coast through our subsidiary company NorSea Group. “We believe we can build and learn in Norway. Wilhelmsen aims to be an integral part of the development of hydrogen for marine applications in Norway and also internationally. “With this new funding, our vision of hydrogen vessels and infrastructure supporting various industries along the coast is much closer to becoming a reality and that is enormously exciting”, says Jan Eyvin Wang. In addition, the Topeka vessels will transport hydrogen to different filling stations where local ferries and other vessels as well as land transport will have hydrogen as a ready-to-use fuel. The vessels will, amongst other tasks, move goods between offshore supply bases along the Norwegian west coast. The Topeka project revolves around the construction of two ro-ro vessels servicing the short sea segment.
This means the introduction and usage of zero emission energy carriers such as hydrogen is crucial”, says CEO for Enova, Nils Kristian Nakstad. “To reach our ambitions for zero emission ocean transport, new technology has to be developed. “The funds from Enova are a pivotal step in making Topeka happen, and an important milestone for the maritime industry and for Norway as a nation when considering hydrogen as a fuel”, says Senior Vice President, Industrial Investments at Wilhelmsen, Jan Eyvin Wang.
0 kommentar(er)
