AqualisBraemar LOC has been appointed by Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd. (CMAL) to partner in designing an emission free hydrogen fuel cell sea-going passenger and car ferry as part of HYSEAS III, a Horizon 2020 funded project.

AqualisBraemar LOC’s scope of work is to design a double-ended sea going passenger and car ferry capable of utilizing the hydrogen powered drive train and thereby running completely emission-free. In recent years, AqualisBraemar LOC has developed a range of marine and engineering consulting services to support carbon-reduction initiatives in the maritime sector, including expertise in electrical engineering and alternative fuel integration for vessels.

HYSEAS III follows HYSEAS I and HYSEAS II, and aims to build on the previous projects’ findings, by demonstrating that fuel cells may be successfully integrated with a proven marine hybrid electric drive system (electric propulsion, control gear, batteries etc.), along with associated hydrogen storage and bunkering arrangements. 

The HYSEAS III project will develop, construct, test and validate data in a full-sized drive train on land. 

The ferry will be designed around the requirements of Shapinsay in Orkney where hydrogen fuel is generated through wind power. The ferry which will carry 16 cars or two trucks, and 120 passengers will be capable of sailing to and from any concrete 1:8 slipway where hydrogen is available locally to power the vessel.

AqualisBraemar LOC operations in Aberdeen will work with CMAL, to ensure sustainability in the overall vessel design. The group will also draw upon its sister company, Longitude Engineering, to support the HYSEAS III project.