Ship conversion: hydrogen, battery or hybrid propulsion
Retrofit and hybridise the existing vessel with a diesel generator-based ship prolusion system to be driven by clean energy. Here, eCap Marine is your reliable and competent partner for implementing a clean power generation system. We determine the actual power requirement via data logging, create an accurate driving profiles and design a greener drive system based on the results, meanwhile, also taking clients’ specific demands into account.
“Plug & Play” Solution by eCap Marine
eCap Marine offers turnkey power generation solutions for maritime and land-based applications. Its comprehensive technical support spans feasibility studies, technical design and engineering, system development, and project management. It includes construction and assembly at partners’ sites for “Plug & Play” delivery and after-sales services for commercial shipping, industrial, and private purposes.
How to Implement an Emission-free Project:
Zero-Emission Hydrogen Power Generation System (H2PowerPac) on an Offshore Supply Vessel (OSV) in Cuxhaven Port, Germany:
The retrofit and hybridisation of an offshore supply vessel (OSV) with eCap Marine’s innovative H2PowerPac and H2Tank Systems successfully received the DNV case-by-case approval in February 2024, highlighting many of the company’s comprehensive engineering expertise.
eCap Marine led the project thoroughly - designed and engineered this H2PowerPac for this individual application, and integrated power management, cooling, and fire extinguishing systems alongside various control and safety mechanisms. These features emphasise the company’s commitment to providing reliable, safe, emission-free power generation solutions.
The H2PowerPac, assembled in a 20ft container-formed module, serves as an emission-free energy source for the vessel’s extended propulsion, enabling it to navigate through the delicate environment of the Wadden Sea Nature Park in the North Sea. The delivered system comprises fuel cell systems, a fuel control unit, a battery system for load levelling, and swappable hydrogen tank systems, ensuring a sustainable and eco-friendly operation.
Feasibility, Concept, Project Management, Approval:
STEP 1: Feasibility Study
- Intensive exchanges with clients, defined specific requirements, etc.
- Data recording and analysis, drawings reviewing, etc.
- Corresponding with DNV regarding regulations and requirements for final case-by-case approval
- Retrofit solutions comparison (APEX&OPEX), environmental impact, etc.
√ Milestone with AIP (Approval in Principle)
The main technical questions are about safety:
- Detailed technical concept description
- Technical drawings and documents (general plan, single line diagram, hazardous area plans, etc.
- HAZID workshop to identify possible risks
STEP 2: Technical Concept & Design
- Design freeze
- Further HAZID workshop (DNV)
20ft H2 Power Unit
- 2x200 kW fuel cell systems
- 400kW add-on battery system as buffer
- 12 tons
10ft H2 Tank System (ADR approved)
- 200 kg CH2 @ 380 bar
- Swappable
- 5,000 kg
STEP 3: Project Management
Project planning and defining RACI-Matrix with several related project parties…
- Support the retrofit works on the Coastal Liberty
- Procurement
- Engineering and construction
- System integration
- Commissioning
STEP 4: Final Approval & After-Sales Services
- Sea trial
- Crew training
- Maintenance, remote monitoring
Feedback on this Project:
“For the vessel’s crew, the new system means reduced vibrations on board and more direct propulsion, allowing immediate response to the propeller shafts. The Coastal Liberty is a first of its kind and a flagship for the maritime energy transition in Europe.”
Jochen Kaufholt, Managing Director of Offshore Service Gesellschaft (OSG)
“The switching, disconnecting and reconnecting of the hydrogen tanks is very easy and safe, taking just a few minutes due to the toolless design and standard connections for crane and truck.”
Frederike Engels, Head of Projects of eCap Marine
“This kind of system is a unique installation on board a seagoing ship and scalable up to megawatt-sized designs for larger commercial ships and longer voyages as well as smaller inland vessels.”
Lars Ravens, Managing Director of eCap Marine