High-Performance Compressor for Offshore Hydrogen Supply
In a move towards carbon-neutral shipping, Mitsui E&S announced the delivery of a high-pressure, high-flow hydrogen compressor to Tsuneishi Corporation for Japan’s “first” offshore hydrogen station.
The station, currently under development by Fukuyama-based JPN H2YDRO will supply hydrogen to vessels, including tugboats equipped with hydrogen co-firing engines. This setting is a significant milestone in the push for decarbonisation.
Mitsui E&S’s VD4-250GH-OL compressor is specifically designed for high-flow, high-pressure hydrogen supply, essential for fuelling vessels at the offshore station. According to Mitsui, the compressor has been engineered with durability and longevity in mind, ensuring stable performance with minimal downtimes. This feature is critical for maintaining a consistent hydrogen supply in marine operations, where reliability is paramount.
Mitsui’s compressor is noted for its compact size compared to conventional models, allowing it to save valuable space on offshore platforms. Its efficient design makes it suitable for various hydrogen transport and supply processes, meeting diverse needs in the rapidly expanding hydrogen economy.
The offshore hydrogen station is part of the broader Nippon Foundation Zero Emission Ships Project. This is a major initiative to achieve carbon neutrality in Japan’s shipping sector. This project reduces greenhouse gas emissions in coastal and offshore transport, a sector extremely dependent on fossil fuels.
Additionally, Yanmar Power Technology successfully demonstrated a hydrogen engine with an output of 500 KW, specially developed for coastal vessels. This demonstration underscores Japan’s focus on developing clean energy technologies to power the next generation of zero-emission vessels.
With Mitsui E&S’s advanced compressor and the Nippon Foundation’s Zero Emission Ships Project, Japan is making strides toward establishing a clean and sustainable maritime industry. The offshore hydrogen station and innovations in hydrogen engine technology represent critical advancements in the journey to decarbonise shipping. By prioritising reliable hydrogen infrastructure and advanced technology, Japan is an example of sustainable marine operations worldwide.
