Cluster Catch-up: Hexagon Purus Maritime
“For Hexagon Purus Maritime, we would like to see the industry move from small and few pilot projects to larger commercial vessels with fully integrated fuel systems on board.”
In the last Cluster Catch-up, Statkraft shared their target of investment in electrolyzer capacity. Now it’s Hexagon Purus Maritime’s turn! Hexagon Purus Maritime is at the forefront of developing innovative hydrogen storage solutions with lightweight composite tanks that are ideal for maritime applications.
We reached out to Robert Haugen, Managing Director Maritime, for a chat about their daily life.
What is Hexagon Purus Maritime’s primary focus right now?
Robert Haugen, Managing Director Maritime at Hexagon Purus Maritime.
Our overall goal is to develop solutions that contribute to drive the transition to zero-emission shipping and ultimately “clean air everywhere”.
Our lightweight composite tanks are ideal for maritime applications, and we are currently part of several demonstration and development projects in the maritime industry that will be important to deliver on in order to move one step closer to decarbonizing the industry, says Haugen.
What are the biggest challenges and opportunities for Hexagon Purus Maritime in the future?
Safety at sea is essential. Our hydrogen fuel systems have a strong track record in the automotive industry and have been in operations for several years. Our biggest challenge in the maritime industry is the lack of governmental regulations and approvals for compressed hydrogen used as fuel. We have received an Approval in Principle (AiP) from DNV for our 350l high-pressure hydrogen cylinder with 381 bar working pressure, and are currently working on several projects where we use alternative ship design rules in the approval process. Hopefully, this approval process will, step-by-step, become more efficient until updated regulations are in place.
The opportunities are many in the maritime industry. For Hexagon Purus Maritime, we would like to see the industry move from small and few pilot projects to larger commercial vessels with fully integrated fuel systems on board. Being a strategic partner with Hexagon Group, who has spearheaded the use of alternative fuels for the past 20 years, we have access to valuable knowledge and expertise that supports us when we work to move the industry forward. Together with partners, Hexagon Purus Maritime can cover major parts of the maritime hydrogen value chain, and we are confident that we can play a role in creating sustainable solutions that can contribute to decarbonize the larger vessel segments.
How can hydrogen be a part of the solution for the future?
Being a zero-emission fuel, hydrogen definitely belongs to the future energy mix. In the maritime industry, compressed hydrogen has a perfect fit for segments where the vessel cannot carry sufficient energy in batteries, have predictable routes and have coastal near operations. The technology is available and tested, so it could be done already today.
What is your primary focus when it comes to sustainability?
Being a provider of solutions that enables the transition to zero-emission mobility, we are committed to creating a better future for the planet. Our primary focus is to generate positive social and environmental impact through our products and solutions, while at the same time ensuring that sustainability considerations are embedded throughout our operations and ways of working to ensure we play our part to minimize the impact on both people and the planet.
Why did you decide on becoming a member of Ocean Hyway Cluster?
We see the network of Ocean Hyway Cluster as an excellent opportunity to network with likeminded where we can share experiences, knowledge and last but not least, use our collective effort to promote hydrogen for the maritime industry.
Curious about the daily life of our members? Here is a full overview of previous editions of Cluster Catch-up:
Maria Benæs Hunvik
Communications Advisor
+47 954 57 606
maria.hunvik@oceanhywaycluster.no
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