Hydrogen fuel cell test bed

As part of the H2NOR project, Corvus is working towards the development and production of sustainable, large-scale maritime-certified hydrogen fuel cell systems, with Toyota onboard as key partner and supplier of mass-produced fuel cell technology.

“The interest in hydrogen as a marine fuel is increasing significantly. A dedicated marine and optimised hydrogen fuel cell solution is a vital step toward the decarbonisation of shipping,” said Geir Bjørkeli, CEO of Corvus Energy.

”Being able to test both battery and fuel cell systems together and make them work in perfect harmony will potentially revolutionise the global maritime industry.”

Important validation

In March, the project received Approval in Principle (AiP) by DNV and the test area is an important part of the prototype testing and validation. 

“Batteries and fuel cells are complementary products, and they need to work together in order to achieve optimal efficiency and extended lifetime. We will test multiple combinations of batteries and fuel cells for various operational profiles and this is why the test site is so unique and important,” said Thor Humerfelt, senior vice president product architect of Corvus Energy.

He added that the end result will provide a system that will give recommendations for the vessel’s crew on the most optimal operation.

Another central project partner, Maritime CleanTech, emphasised the test area and the projects importance related to reducing cost of fuel cells, as well as increasing access to technology.

“Reducing the cost of fuel cells and increasing access to the technology is crucial to accelerate the green transition in the maritime industry. Innovation is hard work and the validation processes are no quick fixes. Systematic testing and validation ensure the responsible and safe use of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. This test site is a great example of how this should be done,” said Håvard Tvedte, interim CEO of Maritime CleanTech.

Corvus Energy aims to have the first marine hydrogen fuel cell system type approved in 2023 and start scalable production and commercial delivery in 2024.

The test area was officially opened by Natalia Golis, Vice County Mayor of Vestland County Municipality.