OSLO: December 21, 2018. Hyon, a fuel-cell joint venture owned by Hexagon Composites, Nel and PowerCell Sweden, has been awarded grants to develop and produce a high-speed ferry and a short-sea freighter powered by hydrogen.

The funding is provided by a PILOT-E scheme set up by the Norwegian Research Council, Innovation Norway and Enova.

‘Project ZEFF’, a zero-emission fast ferry designed to carry up to 300 passengers, will be powered by hydrogen and batteries with a cruise speed of 25-45 knots using hydrofoils.

‘Project SeaShuttle’ will be a zero-emission short-sea container ship with automated cargo handling and powered by hydrogen and fuel cells.

“We’re very proud to announce our participation in these projects. The projects will develop unique solutions for two very interesting maritime markets for hydrogen; the high-speed craft market and the short-sea freighter market,” said Hyon managing director Tomas Tronstad. “The award shows that Hyon with owners possess technology and competence that are attractive for the maritime market, and that the shipping industry is gaining momentum in driving green solutions.”

Hyon will use PowerCell for the fuel cells, Hexagon for hydrogen storage tanks and Nel as the supplier of on-shore hydrogen production and fuelling facilities.

Enova is owned by the Norwegian ministry of Climate and Environment with a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, development of energy and climate technology and a strengthened security of supply; Innovation Norway is the government's vehicle to encourage innovation and development of enterprises and industry; and the Research Council of Norway distributes over US$1 billion a year on research and innovation projects.