Image:eCap Marine
The Coastal Liberty, an offshore service supply vessel, has successfully completed its first zero-emission sea trials in the North Sea, marking a significant step towards decarbonization. This follows a retrofit aimed at enabling the vessel to operate emission-free, powered by hydrogen fuel cells and batteries.
Originally refitted in 2012 to meet stringent environmental requirements, the Coastal Liberty has now undergone further upgrades as part of a collaboration between eCap Marine, Acta Marine, and DNV. The system, engineered by eCap Marine, integrates two Ballard FCwave™ fuel cell engines providing 400kW of power, combined with 280kWh of batteries from Lehmann Marine. This innovative setup, known as the H2PowerPac, allows the vessel to run entirely on hydrogen, producing no harmful emissions while maintaining the operational efficiency needed for offshore work.
The vessel’s recent sea trials showcased the potential of this technology. With the retrofit complete and system commissioning approved by DNV in February 2024, the Coastal Liberty is now set to continue its supply operations between Cuxhaven and the Mittelplate drilling and production island—completely emission-free.
At 42.97 meters long and 9 meters wide, the Coastal Liberty is designed to transport up to 12 passengers and a variety of materials to offshore sites. Its power output, previously 1071 kW, is now supplemented by hydrogen and battery technology, making it one of the first vessels in its fleet owned by energy company Wintershall Sea to undergo such a transformation. The vessel’s propulsion is driven by triple fixed-pitch propellers in nozzles, along with a bow thruster for enhanced maneuverability.
This retrofit is part of a larger push towards sustainability in the maritime sector, particularly in offshore supply and service vessels. With the success of these initial trials, the Coastal Liberty paves the way for more vessels in its fleet to transition to zero-emission operation, representing a tangible shift toward greener energy solutions in the industry.
