For the first time alternative fuels have been used in the dredging process. IHC Merwede has run a pilot test in which energy derived from hydrogen was the sole source used to power the electrical equipment on board a dredger.
The sustainable energy test took place at the Haringvliet estuary in The Netherlands with one of the latest generation of standard cutter suction dredgers: the IHC Beaver 40. The hydrogen energy was supplied by the Purity fuel cell generator that has been developed by Bredenoord.
120 Hours
Connecting a fuel cell to a dredger had not been tested previously and it needed to operate under the difficult conditions that are typical of the dredging process – vibrations, dust, water, frost and wave motion. The fuel cell successfully powered the dredger for approximately 120 hours.
Emission Free
The electrical equipment on the current line-up of ships is powered by diesel generators, which results in the emission of harmful substances. The use of fuel cells is emission free, as the hydrogen is converted into heat, electricity and clean water.
In addition to running on hydrogen, the new Beaver 40 has also been fitted with LED lighting and the use of high-grade materials means that these ships require less maintenance.
SWZ Maritime Special on Sustainability
SWZ Maritime’s December issue to appear later this week contains a special on sustainability in shipping, dredging, shipbuilding, fishing, ballast water etc. Do not miss this special on one of the hottest topics of the moment and https://www.swzonline.nl/page/21 [visit our subscriptions page].
