Wärtsilä and Hycamite do shipping a solid with hydrogen, carbon from LNG

In Finland, Wärtsilä Marine and Hycamite announced a partnership to develop a new onboard hydrogen production technology aimed at reducing emissions in the shipping industry. This system will convert liquefied natural gas into hydrogen, while capturing and storing solid carbon, providing a more efficient alternative to traditional carbon capture methods. The solid carbon, nearly one-fourth the weight of gaseous CO2, takes up significantly less space and can be easily retrieved using existing port logistics.

As conceptualized, the system can use existing LNG infrastructure and Wärtsilä’s LNGPac fuel gas handling system to produce hydrogen directly onboard ships. The hydrogen can either fuel Wärtsilä’s multi-fuel engines or be used in onboard fuel cells, resulting in lower emissions.

Designed to be modular and scalable, the system can be retrofitted into LNG-fueled vessels or installed in new builds. It allows for varying levels of hydrogen conversion, up to 100%, depending on the vessel’s requirements. The collaboration between Wärtsilä and Hycamite supports the maritime industry’s efforts to meet EU and International Maritime Organization emissions targets for 2050.

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