Windcat Workboats & CMB.TECH present the first hydrogen-powered Crew Transfer Vessel (CTV): the Hydrocat 48, ready for immediate operation

Dual fuel technology has been integrated into the MK3.5 series without compromising on performance and retaining the reliability of a traditionally fuelled vessel. It is the first vessel to truly offer a sustainable alternative to diesel fuel.

CMB.TECH was the first to build a hydrogen-powered passenger shuttle in 2017. Based on this proven technology, the Hydrocat 48 is now designed and built.

The base MAN engine is manufactured by MAN Engines for dual fuel use and retrofitted by CMB.TECH with a hydrogen injection system.

CMB.TECH and Windcat Workboats are working on the further optimisation of engine capacities and the increased use of the hydrogen percentage. The long-term plan is to develop the technology and infrastructure to be able to eventually use a mono-fuel option via an internal combustion engine (ICE).

The hydrogen supply chain still needs to grow to become readily accessible in more locations. There is a significant shift towards hydrogen applications, and it is expected that the hydrogen supply chain will develop in the coming years. CMB.TECH and Windcat have also developed solutions for the supply of hydrogen to the vessel in this early phase of hydrogen development. CMB.TECH has designed a 40ft 500bar trailer for remote refuelling of all the various systems applying the technology currently in use. Multiple applications and customers can be served by this one system, which can also support the Hydrocat.

Windcat, together with its joint venture partners TSM and FRS, has three more vessels under construction that can be delivered with the hydrogen technology on board. More CTV designs using this technology are being developed.

The operating behaviour, fuel consumption and all other characteristics correspond exactly to the MAN D2862 LE428 with the same performance. In a form of pre-treatment, a precisely measured quantity of hydrogen is added to the charge air. This mixture of hydrogen and air is then ignited with the injected diesel fuel in the combustion chamber of the cylinders. Depending on the engine's operating point, only a very small amount of diesel fuel is needed. The diesel injection parameters are optimised in dual fuel mode to achieve the lowest emissions and the best consumption values. Therefore, in dual fuel mode, considerably less CO₂ is released in the exhaust gases in circumstances where operating behaviour and full load characteristics remain unchanged. In the event of problems in the hydrogen circuit or a depleted hydrogen supply, a switch back to diesel can be made at any time. This guarantees uninterrupted operation with normal reliability.