Hydrogen fuel cells market potentials in the maritime sector have been demonstrated in the last years with several vessels flagship projects. Despite hydrogen is a worldwide considered a valid option to reach the emission reduction targets, also part of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) strategy, a regulatory framework applicable to hydrogen fuelled ships is not yet available. E-SHyIPS brings together the Hydrogen and maritime stakeholders and international experts, through an Advisory Board, to gather new knowledge based on regulatory framework review and experimental data on ship design, safety systems, material and components and bunkering procedures. The approach is "vessel independent", in order to avoid the burdens of customized projects, and is focused on the risk and safety assessment methodologies. Based on this, e-SHyIPS will define a pre-standardization plan for IGF code update for the hydrogen-based fuels passenger ships and a roadmap for the boost of Hydrogen economy in the maritime sector.

The overall objective of SEABAT is to develop a full-electric maritime hybrid concept based on (1) combining modular high-energy batteries and high-power batteries, (2) novel converter concepts and (3) production technology solutions derived from the automotive sector. A modular approach will reduce component costs (battery, convertor) so that unique ship designs can profit from economies of scale by using standardised low-cost modular components. The concept is suitable for future battery generations and high-power components that may have higher power densities or are based on different chemistries. Expected results: optimal full-electric hybrid modular solution, minimising the battery footprint and reducing the oversizing (from up to 10 times down to max. 2 times). Validating as a 300 kWh system (full battery system test) at TRL 5, and virtually validating the solution for batteries of 1 MWh and above, using 300 kWh system P-HiL tests. The result will be a validated hybrid battery solution for capacities of 1 MWh and beyond, a roadmap for type approval and a strategy towards standardisation for (among others) ferries and short sea shipping. The solution will deliver a 35-50% lower total cost of ownership (TCO) of maritime battery systems, including 15-30% lower CAPEX investment, 50% lower costs of integration at the shipyard and a 5% investment cost recuperation after the useful life in the vessel. The SEABAT consortium unites all the necessary expertise for developing the hybrid topology and implementing it in the industry. The market pick-up of the SEABAT solution is maximised by having 20 shipbuilders and integrators in the consortium; they are represented by the SOERMAR association. The stakeholder group, in which end users and port authorities are represented, supports the wide adoption of the SEABAT solution in the European maritime market, and the increase in European skills base in large battery technology and manufacturing processes.

To maintain world leadership in complex, value-added and highly specialised vessels European shipbuilders must develop tailor-made innovative concepts that are efficient to design and build. Project NAVAIS proposed solution is a platform-based modular product family approach supported by the 3DEXPERIENCE integrated business platform. By sharing components and production across a platform of vessels, higher efficiency in vessel design and flexibility in production networks is achieved. NAVAIS uses system engineering approaches to develop the principles, procedures and a re-use component library for modular design and production and will apply these to develop two platform-based product families: passenger/road ferries and multi-use workboats. For each product family a demonstrator will be developed to TRL9 “digital twin”-level, validated and assessed on low impact environmental performance e.g. discharges to air and water, underwater radiated noise and cost-benefit aspects. The demonstrators are a 400 passengers/120 cars E-ferry and a multi-use workboat equipped for aquaculture activities. A major aspect of the platform-based modular approach is the change in value chain management. The current class approval procedure of engineered-to-order designs will be replaced by a procedure where pre-engineered product modules are approved by class, stored in a re-use library and applied in new vessel modular designs. This transfer from an engineered-to-order business model to an assemble-to-order business model will allow shorter process lead-times, constant quality, reduced design and production costs and better integration of the SME supply chain. Exploitation of results is expected at the end of the project duration. NAVAIS partnership contains 16 partners from 5 EU and 1 associated countries and includes technology providers, technology integrators and technology users. The project duration is 4 years and the required funding is € 6,6 MIO.