Norwegian fishing company Loran is planning to build a revolutionary longliner capable of reducing fossil fuel consumption by 40%, in addition to which the new Loran will be prepared for complete zero-emissions operation.
It’s an ambitious venture into some very new territory, and the outline is for the new Loran to be powered by two 185kW fuel cells fed with hydrogen from containers on board, plus a 2000 kWh battery –although conventional diesel engines are still part of the energy package needed to keep Loran at sea for trips of 4-6 weeks.
‘By being the first out with hydrogen, we hope that the new Loran will be one of the vessels that form the basis for a green shift in fishing. If we are to build a future-oriented and modern vessel today, we want to ensure that the newbuilding represents the most modern, efficient and environmentally friendly technology that can be obtained,’ said Loran’s general manager Ståle Otto Dyb.
‘Longlining is the most gentle fishing method for both fish and the seabed, and with hydrogen as fuel, we can also become the most environmentally friendly fishing vessel in today’s fleet. We then hope that we can help lift the price and status of this great product which is of the highest quality.’
The new Loran will be around 70 metres in length, larger than a usual longliner, and will have a combination of diesel, battery and hydrogen energy systems.
‘The gas tanks are located behind the wheelhouse and this is currently envisaged as a pressure-based hydrogen system. If it turns out to be more convenient to use liquid hydrogen, or another fuel such as ammonia, then it will be possible to do so with minor adjustments. This is a development project I which, among other things, we are collaborating with the Norwegian Maritime Directorate on safety and regulations,’ said Inge Bertil Straume at naval architect Skipsteknisk, which is behind the design of the new Loran with support from Innovation Norway to develop a flexible arrangement with the aim of achieving zero-emission operations.
The design focuses on energy efficiency, heat recovery and the possibility of a zero-emissions operation when running on hydrogen. This project contributes to cost reduction, not least as the development work that goes into the design can benefit other vessels in future.
For Enova, which is backing the project with financial support, the most important consideration is to demonstrate the use of hydrogen in an ocean-going fishing vessel.
‘Even though the project will not give zero emissions, Enova still considers it a first important step on the road, to demonstrate the use of hydrogen and fuel cells in vessels,’ said Enova CEO Nils Kristian Nakstad.
While the price of this new vessel remains an unknown quantity, both Ståle Dyb and Inge Bertil Straume see the option of building in Norway as a positive one, if a shipyard spot is available.
‘It would be a real advantage,’ Inge Bertil Straume said. ‘This is a development project, so it makes a difference if the owner and the yard are close to each other.’
The Norwegian government is also firmly behind the project.
‘The government wants to halve emissions from shipping by 2030. For ships moving over longer distances, hydrogen stands out as an important energy carrier,’ said Minister of Climate and Environment Espen Barth Eide.
‘It is very satisfactory that forward-looking operators such as Loran are investing in emission reduction through innovative solutions for the seafood industry. They are putting Norway on the map as the first in the world with an ocean-going fishing vessel powered by hydrogen.’
