Cluster Catch-up: HAV Group

Aug 19

“We believe several technology solutions must be developed ”

— Gunnar Larsen, CEO, HAV Group

In the last Cluster Catch-up, we had a chat with HyFuel about their aim to produce sustainable green hydrogen in Florø. Now it is HAV Group’s turn.

HAV Group recently took an important step toward commercializing their hydrogen solutions. With preliminary approval in place, HAV Group is now ready to offer shipowners the competence in selecting hydrogen solutions, guiding them through the approval processes - and delivering the systems. We reached out to Gunnar Larsen, CEO of HAV Group, for a chat.

What is HAV Group’s primary focus right now?

HAV Group comprises four subsidiaries with a leading position in supporting the marine and maritime industries towards the ultimate goal of zero emissions, all based on our Norwegian heritage, experience, quality focus, and innovative solutions. This insight provides our customers with a head start, increases their competitiveness, and enables them to reduce their environmental impact and cut emissions, Gunnar Larsen explains.
We are currently focusing on developing existing and new maritime markets for the HAV group's technology within safety, energy efficiency, and environmentally friendly solutions. We will optimize synergies within the group to increase competitive advantage and profitability through further technology development to reduce emissions through digitization and energy-optimizing solutions.
HAV Group is well positioned for further development within several segments of low- and zero-emission vessels and is continuously building the best possible team with a high-quality focus.

HAV Group recently reached a milestone:

We recently received preliminary approval from class (DNV) and flag (The Norwegian Maritime Authority) for the hydrogen-based energy system developed in the FreeCO2ast project. This regulatory approval takes us an important step towards commercializing our hydrogen solutions and realizing the zero-emission ambition.
HAV Group is now in a position where we can offer shipowners the necessary competence in selecting hydrogen system solutions and guide them through their approval processes, as well as delivering the marine zero-emission systems. We are ready to enter the commercial stage where the subsidiary HAV Hydrogen can start offering its products to the global maritime market.

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*DNV and the Norwegian Maritime Authority awarded HAV Group ASA preliminary approval for its hydrogen-based energy system earlier this year.*

What are the biggest challenges and opportunities for HAV Group in the future?

The maritime industry faces global megatrends with ambitious goals for minimizing the environmental footprint and increasingly stringent environmental requirements. HAV Group has the necessary know-how, experience, and technology to provide customers with vessels and equipment to achieve these goals, while also increasing profitability, competitiveness, and sustainability, Gunnar Larsen explains enthusiastically.
The Group's vision is a sustainable future at sea. We will contribute to the global green energy transition and accelerate the shift towards zero-emission operations with innovative solutions and high-end products. Maritime hydrogen solutions are developing at a rapid pace and HAV Hydrogen is at the forefront of this race.
The ability to cooperate closely with highly experienced sister companies covering both ship design, electrical integration, smart control, energy design, innovative water treatment systems, and hydrogen systems, gives us a competitive edge as a group. Our cross-cutting expertise and broad market presence allow us to develop and offer sustainable solutions to the world`s accelerating need for green technology.

Larsen also sees some challenges for HAV Group:

The challenge is getting access to the necessary competence for development and growth, as well as establishing an international network through organic growth, strategic partnerships, and acquisition.
For the development of our hydrogen-based energy solutions, we need access and infrastructure for both compressed and liquid hydrogen. We need more predictability – the government can regulate and guarantee a certain amount of consumption of hydrogen in tenders. Regulatory incentives to cover both investment costs (CAPEX) and operating costs (OPEX) through differential contracts are needed, as well as facilitate further technological development so we can get a functional and scaling market.

How can hydrogen be a part of the solution for the future?

*HAV Hydrogen is growing and* *searching* *for more employees passionate about enabling zero emissions from ships.*

Hydrogen is among some of the most mature and promising zero-emission fuel technologies. We believe several technology solutions must be developed and scaled to find the optimal solutions for our clients.
In developing the best possible solutions using hydrogen energy systems, the entire value chain must move forward together towards the goal of zero-emission.
Hydrogen has enormous potential to reduce the emission of GHG and to realize IMO`s targets of zero-emission in the long run.

What is your primary focus when it comes to sustainability?

HAV has a long history of working with energy efficiency on ships through advanced simulation models. We have designed and delivered battery packages for several zero-emission ferries and other battery hybrid vessels. By adding our hydrogen systems developed in HAV Hydrogen, we can offer zero-emission solutions for vessels suitable for longer sailing distances and higher energy consumption.
HAV Group is a trusted and responsible partner, Larsen continues. We are focused on transparency, risk management, human rights, and our supply chain. In developing HAV Group’s technologies and solutions, we always consider:
· energy optimization
· low- and zero-emissions
· social responsibility throughout the entire value chain
Working with our suppliers on sustainability allows us to reduce risk, both environmental risk and that associated with human rights violations in our activities. The goal is to develop a sustainable supply chain with our Supplier Sustainability Program. In the future, the use of this program will improve the selection and use of suppliers, so our clients can gain the most possible value. We are focused on improving the prevention, identification, and remediation of human rights violations, and on managing risks and opportunities related to climate change.

Why did you decide on becoming a member of Ocean Hyway Cluster?

HAV Group decided to become a member of the Ocean Hyway Cluster shortly after we started our hydrogen R&D efforts. The Cluster is a great arena for collaboration and gathering updated information on the market and regulatory development. The network is also important for communicating with politicians and the regulatory government.
New business models and global megatrends open for more collaboration horizontally and vertically in the value chain. The Cluster connects, and challenges, both competitors and collaborators which means the development of better technologies and solutions for our clients, Larsen ends.