CMB developing hydrogen-powered marine vessels

Compagnie Maritime Belge (CMB) is developing a hydrogen-powered crew transfer vessel (CTV) and hydrogen-powered ferry as part of two new projects.

The Belgian shipping giant has joined forces with Japan firm Tsuneishi Facilities & Craft (TFC) to build the ferry, which is expected to be delivered in 2021.

By combining TFC’s state-of-the-art shipbuilding capabilities and CMB’s extensive knowledge in marine hydrogen systems, both companies hope to build a revolutionary ship that will be a milestone in the journey towards zero carbon emission shipping.

CMB also announced yesterday it was developing a hydrogen-powered CTV with Windcat Workboats.Expected to be commissioned in 2022, the CTVs are being built for Vattenfall who plans to use them for the Hollandse Kust Zuid 1 & 2 offshore wind farm in the Dutch North Sea.

The hydrogen-powered CTV – named HydroCat – will be able to transport 24 service engineers from the coast to the offshore windmill farms at a cruise speed of 25kn, propelled by 2×1000 horsepower and will consume 170kg of hydrogen per day.