Améthyste, ArianeGroup, Cetim, HDF Energy, Rubis Terminal and Sofresid engineering have collaborated to develop the multi-service power barge ELEMANTA H2, designed to supply electricity and hydrogen to large ships, reducing their polluting emissions by more than 80% during port calls.
The partners of the ELEMANTA H2 project signed an MoU to deploy mobile solutions providing, from green or low-carbon hydrogen, cold ironing services in addition to the electrical grid, for container ships, cruise ships or tankers. ELEMANTA H2 will also enable hydrogen bunkering to meet the refuelling needs of future hydrogen-powered ships.
This collaboration aims to valorise skills and know-how in various fields, from naval architecture to hydrogen technologies, from managing port infrastructures to developing industrial asset integrity management software.
The partners have identified the River Port of Rouen and more specifically the Rubis Terminal as a pioneer site, as it is strategically located between the Grand Port Maritime du Havre and the ports of Paris. With the support of Normandie Energies and the port operator HAROPA, a demonstration barge will integrate a multi-MW hydrogen fuel cell system manufactured in France, by HDF Energy.
In addition, a high-pressure green hydrogen storage system will cover the need for autonomy during port calls. Sofresid Engineering will carry out the architecture and the integration of the equipment of the barge, which will be mobile to move as close as possible to the need and maximise its utilisation rate.
The ELEMANTA H2 demonstrator offers a low-carbon alternative to diesel generators that currently power these ships at berth, reducing CO2 emissions by more than 85% and all nitrogen oxide (NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SO²) emissions during port calls. The power barge will be commissioned in 2025 for a 20-year operating period.
The partners’ objective is to standardise and replicate this solution, with higher power levels, in the main European ports, which will thus become part of future major hydrogen hub projects.
Rubis Terminal acts for the development of the energy infrastructure of tomorrow. Mobile, flexible and responsive solutions such as Elemanta H2 are concrete and technically achievable options in the short term for which we are committed
Stéphane Simon, Director Rubis Terminal Rouen, said.
