Hydrogen - especially green hydrogen produced through the use of renewable energy - is one of the proven beacons of hope for the energy transition. The Norwegian hydrogen producer Norwegian Hydrogen from Ålesund, in cooperation with the Vestland County Council, is currently providing an example of how we have long since moved on from the stage of half-heartedly implementing ideas for its use. From summer 2024, the new, state-of-the-art fishing vessel MS Skulebas will be used to train students at Måløy High School in fishing, aquaculture and maritime topics. The MS Skulebas is equipped with the latest innovative technologies, including a zero-emission propulsion system based on a hydrogen-powered fuel cell in combination with a battery pack.

Short distances thanks to local production

The green hydrogen for the MS Skulebas will come from local production, manufactured in a factory in Hellesylt, which Norwegian Hydrogen will put into operation there next summer. However, the hydrogen produced there will not only benefit the shipping industry, other industries in the region will also benefit if they want to be at the forefront of the transition to environmentally friendly technologies.

Pioneering role for an entire industry

Jørgen Kopperstad, Head of Maritime at Norwegian Hydrogen, explains the project: "The MS Skulebas is the first fishing vessel in the world that will run completely emission-free on green hydrogen. This will be a milestone, not only for us at Norwegian Hydrogen, but also for the maritime and fishing industry. And not least for Måløy High School and the students there. We find it inspiring to supply hydrogen to a training ship that trains future seafarers, as they are the ones who will drive these new technologies forward." And Stig Antonsen, Project Manager of MS Skulebas, adds: "It is of the utmost importance to us that the hydrogen is produced in an environmentally friendly way using green electricity. Local production in Hellesylt is also an important factor, as it ensures short transportation routes."

Scandinavian joint venture

While the MS Skuleba itself was built at the Danish shipyard Hvide Sande Shipyard, the components for the hydrogen propulsion system on board come entirely from Norwegian production. The fuel cell system comes from Corvus and the storage solution is provided by the experts from Hexagon Purus, who will be presenting type 4 composite storage solutions at HANNOVER MESSE 2024.

For environmentally friendly shipping

"This is a very important order for us. First and foremost, we are grateful that Vestland County Council has chosen us as the supplier for a ship that is so prestigious and important for both the county and Måløy High School and for all those who are committed to environmentally friendly shipping. This makes us proud, and we are looking forward to getting to work," says Jens Berge, CEO of Norwegian Hydrogen.

Video Norwegian Hydrogen AS