The Project - H4PERION

Objectives

H4PERION’s core objective is to develop a fuel roadmap that allows gradual blending of hydrogen (H₂) and biomethane (CH₄), with the ultimate goal of achieving 100% hydrogen operation.

Concept at a glance

The overall aim of the H4PERION (Hydrogen FOR Performance Enhancement and Reliable ICE OperatioN) project is to develop and demonstrate the safe, reliable and economic operation of a H2ICE running on a gaseous hydrogen (H₂) and biomethane (CH₄) blend in an open-sea environment.

For the first time in maritime history, H2ICE technology will be deployed as a prime mover on a large vessel — demonstrated on a RoPax ship, with replication studies targeting cruise ships, newbuild RoPax and cargo vessels. A Digital Twin will integrate data from the real-vessel demo and full-scale lab demo, confirming the achievement of KPIs.

KPIs

≥55%

efficiency from fuel to shaft

≥17%

fuel savings

Objectives

The overall project aim will be achieved by following the specific objectives, distributed on a clearly defined development path (specify, develop & validate, demonstrate on real vessel).

Discover all objectives

SPECIFY

O1.1Baseline and MappingDemo vessel baselined, with crew and port operator requirements mapped

O1.2Safety FrameworkFramework for assessment and mitigation of health & safety risks defined

O1.3Technical SpecificationsSpecifications of proposed innovations completed

DEVELOP & VALIDATE

O2.1Combustion and InjectionNovel H₂/biomethane combustion concept including direct high-pressure injector prototype to enable 100% hydrogen

O2.2Fuel BlendingLab-scale fuel blending system for H₂ and biomethane further adopted to enable full scale demo

O2.3Exhaust AftertreatmentNovel H₂-ready exhaust gas aftertreatment solution developed

O2.4System IntegrationSubsystems from O2.1–O2.3 integrated and validated as part of full scale lab engine, mimicking real vessel operation

DEMONSTRATE ON REAL VESSEL

O3.1Preparation and RetrofitPreparation for demo voyage completed

O3.2Safety Open-Sea DemonstrationReal vessel demonstration completed

O3.3Commercialization and StandardizationUpscaling and post-EU project commercialisation pathways defined / dissemination, exploitation and communication

Challenge and impact

H4PERION will contribute towards operational, environmental and economic impact of installing zero-carbon propulsion technologies on new or existing vessels until 2030

The IMO’s 2023 revised GHG strategy and FuelEU Maritime Regulation set ambitious targets, including an 80% reduction in shipping GHG intensity by 2050 versus 2020 levels, requiring shipowners to invest in low- or zero-carbon fuel technologies in the mid- to long-term.

Why Hydrogen

No large vessel (+10.000 GT) has been equipped with H2ICE propulsion systems to date.
Hydrogen is one of the prominent fuel candidates to decarbonize shipping with the help of ICE technologies, particularly due to its intrinsic property of being a zero-carbon fuel.

H2ICEs

Internal combustion engines (ICEs) should be seen as part of the solution, particularly when it comes to decarbonising large, ocean-going vessels in the mid-term.

H4PERION proposes a technological pivot from decades-long burning of fossil hydrocarbons in marine engines, towards energy conversion based on low and zero-carbon fuels.

Impact Pathway No. 1

Ultra-efficient zero-carbon power conversion for long-distance shipping

Impact Pathway No. 2

Safe hydrogen fuel handling in ports and on board, including framework for controlling risks and accident scenario mitigation strategies

Impact Pathway No. 3

Contributing towards the establishment of a regulatory framework for zero-carbon fuels

Progress from State of the art

H4PERION’s expected emission avoidance potential is unprecedented:

100%

CO₂ emission reduction

≥90%

NO_x and SO_x emission reduction

80%

methane slip reduction

80%

particulate matter reduction*

*compared to best in class gas engine

Discover Synergies

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H4PERION’s core objective is to develop a fuel roadmap that allows gradual blending of hydrogen (H2) and biomethane (CH4), with the ultimate goal of achieving 100% hydrogen operation.

Concept at a glance

KPIs

Objectives

H4PERION will contribute towards operational, environmental and economic impact of installing zero-carbon propulsion technologies on new or existing vessels until 2030

Why Hydrogen

H2ICEs

H4PERION proposes a technological pivot from decades-long burning of fossil hydrocarbons in marine engines, towards energy conversion based on low and zero-carbon fuels.

Progress from State of the art

H4PERION’s core objective is to develop a fuel roadmap that allows gradual blending of hydrogen (H₂) and biomethane (CH₄), with the ultimate goal of achieving 100% hydrogen operation.