Feasibility study liquid hydrogen bunkering Den Helder
Due to the existing gas infrastructure and the associated knowledge and activity therefrom, the Dutch port of Den Helder can develop into a sustainable hydrogen hub of national importance. The pursuit of CO2 reduction is crucial for the shipping industry. While electric propulsion is a viable option for achieving emission-free road transport, this is hampered for shipping by the limited capacity of batteries for long-distance maritime travel. To cover long distances, a powerful and efficient fuel is essential. Many experts consider hydrogen such a promising fuel option. The port of Den Helder regards the energy transition as an opportunity and is fully committed to developing a hydrogen ecosystem. The ambition is to gradually evolve into a nationally important hydrogen hub and to play a central role in the energy supply of the future.
To achieve this ambition, research was conducted into the feasibility of (liquid) hydrogen as a shipping fuel in Den Helder. The research was conducted by Royal HaskoningDHV. The goal was to determine the route the Port of Den Helder will take until 2030 and to develop an implementation roadmap.
Research questions
To achieve this goal, the following research questions were formulated:
- How will the demand for liquid hydrogen and alternative fuels develop over time in the port of Den Helder, and under what conditions?
- How is the technical readiness of the production, bunkering and consumption of liquid hydrogen and alternative fuels developing?
- What are the spatial preconditions of a bunker facility, both physically and in terms of safety?
- Which parties can take care of bunkering?
Market potential
The study has identified a market potential of 50-60% of the type of vessels that call at the port of Den Helder. Green methanol is also a potentially suitable alternative fuel. It is expected that a combination of fuels will be offered. The recommendation is to engage suitable regional partners to further develop the use cases, in collaboration with regional authorities and the environmental agency. A pilot program can be used to develop a scalable solution that can grow with demand.
The research is part of the overarching North Holland hydrogen program New Energy Coalition is responsible for the program management. The project management of this research was lead by New Energy Coalition. Together with partners such as the province of North Holland, the municipality of Den Helder, the Port of Den Helder, and various chain partners, the problem formulation was developed and substantive input was provided for the research.
