At the Connected Places Summit, on 20th March 2025, Rux Energy and Serco announced the successful completion of a pioneering study aimed at revolutionizing H2 storage and distribution for the maritime sector and the signing of an MoU between Dr Jehan Kanga, Founder and CEO of Rux Energy and Michael Hayes, Transformation and Programs Director of Serco.

This innovative pilot study, funded by the Connected Places Catapult through the 2024-2025 UK Maritime Accelerator Program, marks a significant step towards a sustainable H2 future.

H2, a zero-carbon emission power-fuel, can be produced through electrolysis using renewable electricity to perform a chemical reaction to split water into H2 and oxygen. Traditional H2 storage methods however, either involve extreme pressures to above 350 atmospheres of pressure, or cryocooling to extremely low temperatures of –263 degrees Celsius.

These traditional methods require significant additional amounts of energy and are hazardous, driving up costs at every step of the value chain. A recent Harvard University study highlighted that storage and distribution costs of H2 can be up to ten times higher than production costs, posing a significant disincentive to widespread H2 use in maritime applications.

Rux Energy’s breakthrough solution incorporates a patented advanced nanoporous material, which fill the void of a tank, acting like a “sponge” for H2 molecules, increasing its density, allowing H2 to be stored at more moderate temperatures and lower pressures – this increases energy efficiency and radically improves safety, at a fraction of the cost of traditional storage methods.

The UK-based techno-economic modelling study, conducted in collaboration with Serco, assessed the feasibility, cost, and infrastructure requirements of a localized H2 supply chain for maritime applications, using proprietary data shared by Serco regarding year-wide energy demand for three different classes of high-powered workboats operated by Serco, and data provided by Connected Places Catapult regarding counterfactual future fossil and e-fuels forecast costings. The study evaluated the local supply of green H2, its storage, distribution, and utilization for workboats in a port environment, and considered practical space and end-to-end supply chain issues, to establish high reliability of fuel supply. The findings confirm H2’s economic feasibility and operational integration as a cost-competitive alternative to marine diesel and confirmed its viability for crew transfer vessels and short sea vessels.

Rux Energy UK Founder & CEO Dr Jehan Kanga said “This study, led by Rux Energy’s Head of Strategy Marius Bosch in collaboration with Team Serco UK, has helped us validate our own H2 storage technology potential, providing crucial evidence to support the commercial case for demonstration of our full scale 20ft-ISO containerized storage solution, which we call HARMONY, in a maritime environment. In Serco we’ve found a proactive and supportive partner and this MOU we are signing today signifies the alignment and drive both companies have in helping the UK deliver on its decarbonization and energy security objectives for its hardest-to-abate sectors.”

Michael Hayes, Transformation and Programs Director from Serco said, “Partnering with Rux Energy in the CPC Maritime Accelerator Trial has provided Serco with a critical understanding of how the local production of green H2, its storage and its use could be leveraged to support opportunities across future workboat operations. This trial has highlighted key infrastructure challenges and potential efficiencies, helping us assess the feasibility of transitioning to H2 as a cleaner fuel. I see this as an important step towards presenting optionality for decarbonizing our fleet, and I am excited about the possibilities this technology presents for the future of maritime operations.”

Alex Weedon, Executive Director, SME Development & Academic Engagement, Connected Places Catapult said, “Connected Places Catapult’s Maritime Accelerator is a fantastic opportunity for innovators to get real insight from our maritime industry and academic partners to support them bringing their innovation closer to commercialization.

“Rux Energy’s trial demonstrates the viability of H2 for short sea vessels and their findings will help to de-risk H2 adoption for fleet operators, policy makers and investors.

“We are grateful to Serco for their support of multiple trials this year which benefits not just our program SMEs but also the wider maritime industry.”