HySeas III is the third phase of development of a project aimed at creating a hydrogen fuel cell-powered shuttle.
The EU-funded project has partners including the Scottish ferry company CMAL, the University of St. Andrew, Orkney Islands Council and several European companies.
In June, AqualisBraemar LOC joined the consortium to design this first European hydrogen-powered ferry.
According to CMAL, the drawings show what this vessel could look like. It will also serve as a model for the future development of zero-emission ferry travel.
It will be a double-hulled passenger and car ferry, with a capacity of 120 passengers and 16 cars or two trucks.
The vessel will travel between Kirkwall and Shapinsay in Orkney, where hydrogen fuel is available from wind power. It will also be able to operate in other ports where hydrogen may become available in the future.
The next stage is to apply to DNV Classification Society for feasibility approval in principle of the designs.
Rope tests are also being conducted in Bergen (Norway) to demonstrate the complete fuel cell/battery/multidrive/propulsion. The results will provide valuable information for the design.
In addition, the hydrogen-powered shuttle design will be completed in March 2022. CMAL will then seek funding partners to take the approved design to the procurement phase. This will lead to the eventual bidding and construction of the vessel.
John Salton of CMAL said in conclusion “We know that shipping remains the largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the UK, and our Hyseas III project will pave the way for the first ocean-going vessel to use exclusively renewable energy.
Seeing the conceptual designs brings the project to life. The vessel design is broadly based on our larger Loch-class vessels, which are double-hulled. Once the designs are approved, we will move on to the next phase of the project, which will involve building the engine that will be used in the feasibility studies.
The maritime industry has a key role to play in the global fight against climate change, and this project is a step towards emission-free shipping.”
