Published 06/30/2021

Hexagon Purus accelerates zero-emissions efforts for maritime industry

Newly established Hexagon Purus Maritime AS expects to advance composite hydrogen storage vessel commercialization to bring zero-emission technology to the maritime industry, with a focus on Norway.

Edited by: Grace Stubbins

Senior Managing Editor, CompositesWorld and Products Finishing

Hexagon Purus (Ålesund, Norway) is accelerating its commercial efforts to bring zero-emission technology to the maritime industry. Although the business has global ambitions, the main focus from the onset will be Norway, which is reported to have some of the strongest maritime technology industries in the world. Corresponding with this target, Hexagon Purus Maritime AS has been established and the company is actively recruiting from the maritime and hydrogen industries to expand its maritime team.

“We are passionate about unlocking the potential of zero-emission solutions to save our fragile ecosystems and to realize our vision of clean air everywhere. Our efforts to bring emission-free solutions to Norwegian waterways is a great opportunity for us to make a difference and can serve as a display window for the rest of the world,” says Morten Holum, CEO of Hexagon Purus. “Technology is no longer a barrier to zero-emission mobility. We see a strong momentum for green energy and clean transportation across the world, Norway included — and we believe that progress can’t wait.”

“To meet the demand for zero-emission transport at sea, ship designers are requesting more focused, technical advice and more integrated solutions onboard the ship.”

The growing national demand for zero-emission vessels along the Norwegian coast (see “Modernizing the mechanical rotor sail”), along with the launch of the Norwegian Hydrogen roadmap early June 2021, says Hexagon Purus, is fueling the growth in the market. Per the roadmap, the Norwegian government is committing to establishing hydrogen hubs in Norway and supporting the creation of zero-emission vessels that are competitive and safe alternatives for shipping in Norwegian waters.

These commitments, combined with the 2026 goal set by the Norwegian Parliament to make Norway’s UNESCO World Heritage Fjords among the first zero-emission zones at sea, are said to represent a great opportunity, particularly for Hexagon Purus. The company believes its composite hydrogen storage vessel and distribution business is well-positioned to support this ambitious energy transition in the national maritime sector, and to also take a global leading role for integrated products in the emerging maritime hydrogen market.

“To meet the demand for zero-emission transport at sea, ship designers are requesting more focused, technical advice and more integrated solutions onboard the ship. At Hexagon Purus, we combine maritime experience with extensive hydrogen storage expertise to provide a holistic approach to solutions — both onboard the ship and at the port,” says Jørn Helge Dahl, Board member in Hexagon Purus Maritime. “Hexagon Purus’ systems solutions for distribution and onboard hydrogen fuel systems,together with partners, will cover major parts of the maritime hydrogen value chain.”

Hexagon Purus points out that in the U.S., it has also played a role in realizing the soon-to-be-launched Switch Ferry “Sea Change” in San Francisco, California, a hydrogen-powered catamaran that will transport passengers in the San Francisco Bay area. Further, the company is already playing an important role in several demonstration and development projects in Norway that are supported by national institutions such as The Research Council of Norway, Innovation Norway and Enova. These projects include Pilot-E type projects such as Hellesylt Hydrogen Hub, H2CarbonCat and Utslippsfri arbeidsbåt for havbruk.