Coastal Fishing Vessels Powered by Zero Emission Hydrogen Fuel Cell

ongoing

H2-SEAS initiative is an Innovation Action targeting the overarching objectives of the topic HORIZON-MISS-2023-OCEAN-01-05. The initiative proposes a novel, fully-integrated hydrogen-electric fishing vessel to accelerate a sustainable and accessible transition to clean and efficient power for small-scale fishing fleets. Based on hydrogen fuel cell technology, the prototype will demonstrate increased energy efficiency and an environmentally friendly solution for the marine environment: zero emissions and low sound pollution. The project will be implemented by the design, construction, and operational demonstration of a hydrogen-electric fishing vessel, to test and validate its resilience in the harsh marine environment. The outcome will be complimented by the gathering of technical competencies provided by the Latvian Maritime Academy (Riga Technical University) and the Latvian shipyard AtoZ, which are in charge of major activities of hull design, engineering, building, and testing. Genevos, a French SME leader in the integration of hydrogen technologies in the maritime sector will provide the complete energy system engineering, including certified Hydrogen Power Modules, gas integration design and installation. In parallel, survey and research activities will be undertaken by the Estonian Tallinn Centre of the Stockholm Environment Institute and the Latvian Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences to report on regulation and barriers for small-scale fishing ship decarbonisation and to assess the environmental impact of the H2-SEAS initiative on the marine environment. The Distance Education Study Centre (Riga Technical University) will implement and maintain effective project management to create and lead dissemination and exploitation of results forming long-term synergies to broaden hydrogen fuel cell energies for small-scale fishing ships perspectives and meet the European Green deal objectives and the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030.