Wärtsilä partners with cleantech start-up Hycamite
(Posted on 29/11/22)
The technology group Wärtsilä has entered into a joint development agreement with Hycamite TCD Technologies, a privately-owned Finnish company specialising in the development of a pioneering technology for producing clean hydrogen and solid carbon from methane. The two companies will work together to enable cost-effective production of hydrogen from LNG onboard marine vessels. The concept design will be ready by mid 2023 and the prototype testing unit will be ready during the second half of 2024.
The concept will allow the existing LNG infrastructure to be utilised and enable production of hydrogen onboard in combination with Wärtsilä's LNGPac Fuel Gas Supply System. By producing hydrogen onboard and blending it with LNG, the current range of fuel flexible Wärtsilä dual-fuel (DF) engines can reduce the vessel’s overall carbon dioxide and methane slip emissions. Alternatively, the hydrogen can also be used in fuel cells onboard.
The by-product from the process is solid carbon that, unlike conventional technologies which produce carbon-dioxide (CO2) as a by-product, can more easily be stored and managed onboard. The carbon produced consists of high-grade allotropes, like industrial graphite and carbon nanotubes, thereby offering a possible additional revenue stream.
“We are investing in the development of viable future marine fuel technologies and solutions that can accelerate the efforts to decarbonise shipping operations. This collaboration with Hycamite is an important step forward towards meeting our corporate targets. Our gas engines can already operate with mixtures of hydrogen and LNG. The ability to produce the H2 onboard opens up exciting new opportunities. This solution overcomes the lack of an existing hydrogen supply infrastructure. It also supports reducing the safety risks around storing and handling of liquid hydrogen and enables a gradual decrease of the vessels’ environmental impact,” says Mathias Jansson, Director, Fuel Gas Supply Systems, Wärtsilä.
“We are delighted to be partnering with an established technology leader such as Wärtsilä. They bring a vast depth of knowledge and experience in marine fuel gas supply systems, and by working together, we can make the availability and onboard storage of hydrogen a realistic option for the marine industry,” says Laura Rahikka, founder and CEO of Hycamite.
The technology can in principle be applied for all vessels operating with LNG fuel. When using bioLNG, this solution enables even power generation on board ships with a negative carbon footprint.
Latest News
Greek industrial gateway powers growth with electric Konecranes Gottwald MHC
(Posted on 14/09/25)As part of a plan to double its capacity while controlling emissions, Port of Thisvi operator DIA.VI... Read more
Bulker operator Norse Ship Management deploys Inmarsat NexusWave
(Posted on 14/09/25)Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, together with distribution partner Station Satcom have secured... Read more
Nectar expands SE Asia presence with additional mobile bagging machines
(Posted on 09/09/25)Nectar Group, a leading provider of logistics and cargo handling solutions, is further solidifying its... Read more
US marine descaler Seascour strikes deal to supply historic Great Lakes vessel
(Posted on 09/09/25)Florida headquartered maritime innovator Seascour has struck a second deal to supply its organic marine... Read more
E-Crane introduces faster, safer and smarter bulk pan handling
(Posted on 01/09/25)E-Crane has introduced an innovative tilting device that redefines how bulk materials such as scrap... Read more
Fifth Siwertell road-mobile ship unloader for long-standing Med operator
(Posted on 01/09/25)Bruks Siwertell has delivered a next-generation Siwertell 10 000 S road-mobile ship unloader to a returning... Read more
Rethinking fuel efficiency in maritime shipping
(Posted on 25/08/25)The maritime sector’s longstanding reliance on Specific Fuel Oil Consumption (SFOC) and manufacturer... Read more
Kaiko: Digitalisation won’t replace seafarers it will empower them
(Posted on 25/08/25)Shipping’s reliance on outdated, paper-driven compliance processes is putting unnecessary strain... Read more
GSM and Neuero launch Argentina’s first floating grain terminal
(Posted on 15/08/25)Grupo Servicios Marítimos (GSM), in partnership with Neuero, has delivered a groundbreaking solution... Read more
Welcome Maritime Wi-Fi praised in global crew survey
(Posted on 15/08/25)Elcome International’s WELCOME Maritime Wi-Fi, now marking one year of service, has emerged as... Read more
