Hexagon Composites’ subsidiary Hexagon Lincoln has been selected to supply high-pressure hydrogen tanks for the first hydrogen fuel cell vessel in the US. The vessel is being built by Golden Gate Zero Emission Marine (GGZEM) after they were awarded a USD 3 million grant by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), supported by the “California Climate Investments” (CCI) program.
The 70-foot hybrid hydrogen fuel cell-battery catamaran, “Water-Go-Round” has a 22-knot top speed and is powered by dual electric motors, fuel cells and battery packs. The hydrogen tanks from Hexagon Composites will contain enough hydrogen to operate the vessel for up to two days between refuellings. The vessel is intended to highlight the advantages of hydrogen fuel cells for the commercial maritime sector.
“The state of California is taking the lead in the hydrogen race and we truly believe that this path-breaking project will be an eye-opener for the maritime industry, showing that zero emission technology is already available,” said Trond Seth, Vice President Hydrogen Business Unit at Hexagon Composites.
Hydrogen is a clean and safe energy carrier that can be used as fuel for power in a wide range of applications, and can be easily stored on a large scale. The life cycling properties of all-composite pressure cylinders, with plastic liners and carbon fiber structure, make them more suitable for storage of hydrogen than metal lined alternatives.
After the vessel is launched in mid-2019 it will be operated in San Francisco Bay for the first three months.
Source: Hexagon Composites
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