As many are aware shipping makes a signficant contribution to green house gas emission.  The International Energy Agencys’ Hydrogen Implementing Agreement Task 39 working group met recently on the Boldrewood Innovation Campus to consider the progress to date and the barriers to adoption of hydrogen as a clean and green fuel for ships. The meeting was jointly hosted by Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute (SMMI) and LR’s Global Technology Centre.

There is a strong focus among policy makers, ship owners and other stakeholders to work towards safer, greener and smarter shipping. Therefore, the vision for IEA-HIA Task 39 is how hydrogen could play a role in clean sustainable energy for maritime transportation.
The overall goal for the team is to provide knowhow on the use of hydrogen and fuel cells in the maritime sector, evaluate concepts and initiate research and demonstration projects. This will be achieved by creating an exclusive network of suppliers of hydrogen and fuel cells, shipping companies, advisory and assurance and research institutions. The ambition is to contribute to research within the area, be a technology monitor for ongoing activities as well as contributing to a global regulatory framework.
The IEA HIA Task 39 is under the direction of Prof Ingrid Schjølberg NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology with the Southampton lead being Prof Stephen Turnock (CMEE).
IEA HIA Task 39 has 26 partners, across 10 countries, which includes universities and research institutes, authorities, advisory and assurance, fuel cell producers and shipyards.