Development, testing and validation of technical tools and socio-economic models (business cases) for the implementation of hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell technologies in vessels and ports, and realising the development and the demonstration of the feasibility of these technologies by retrofitting different types of existing vessels, different kind of new built vessels and new bunkering facilities in ports in order to increase the adoption likelihood of this low or zero carbon technology in a sector with high impact potential.

• Developed, engineered and built or retrofitted:

1. multimode hybrid configuration in small inspection craft;
2. crew transfer vessel and retrofitted barge with a hybrid (diesel-electric and H2) propulsion system;
3. inland barge with hydrogen based hybrid (H2FC) propulsion system
4. new (400-)passenger transport vessel with a full H2 based propulsion system
5. a H2 fuel cell module to be used in various vessels
6. H2-bunkering station for vessels in the port of Ostend

• Method to retrofit small craft vessels, adapting automotive design and control experience
• Business cases for transformations regarding: retrofitting existing vessels, new built H2-fuel cell vessels, wireless recharging systems, use/storage of H2
• Supporting tool for certification and insuring of all kind of hybrid and hydrogen vessels and fuel bunkering facilities
• Overall report of tests and monitoring in real life circumstances of all retrofitted and new built vessels using hybrid and H2 propulsion systems

To achieve objectives and results it is necessary to work cross borders and to have a partnership which includes a variety of fleet owners, engine builders, knowledge institutes and port authorities. Cross border working is necessary because navigation is often cross-border. Permissions, certifications and bunkering facilities should be designed and settled in a way to create standards such that shippers have certainty when starting with low carbon propulsion systems. Our cross border approach makes it possible to retrofit different kind of existing vessels and to build new vessels by using hybrid and H2/fuel cell propulsion systems. All technological knowledge and data is available in the consortium for successful pilots to demonstrate feasibility of these systems. This collaboration is also necessary to develop and valorise applicable tools/methods and to demonstrate results to a large network of companies and stakeholders which will be of importance for further uptake and roll-out.