Zero-emission hydrogen engines for ships launched

Belgian Behydro has developed and launched combustion engines that can run on 100% hydrogen.

PHOTO: The 100% hydrogen engine launched at the World Hydrogen Summit in Rotterdam this week. Behydro

The engines can be installed on ships and other heavy-duty applications like drilling rigs and trains, Behydro says.

The company is a joint venture between Belgian engine maker Anglo Belgian Corporation (ABC) and shipowner Compagnie Maritime Belge (CMB), which owns and operates around 90 dry bulk, container and chemical tanker vessels.

If the engines are powered by green hydrogen produced from renewable sources, carbon dioxide, sulphur oxide and soot particle emissions can be eliminated.

Behydro has also developed dual-fuel engines that can run on 85% hydrogen and 15% conventional fuels, saying these have potential to curb 85% of emissions and add flexibility when hydrogen is not available.

Hydrogen is currently far from widely available as an alternative fuel, but bunkering hubs like the Port of Rotterdam and a wide range of energy and logistics firms have recently announced ambitions to scale hydrogen production capacity and supply infrastructure.