DEVELOPING HYDROGEN PORTS & MARITIME POLICY IN THE NORTH SEA REGION

About the Seminar

                                                               CONFERENCE

                            DEVELOPING HYDROGEN PORTS AND MARITIME POLICY IN                               

                                                  THE NORTH SEA REGION

                                                   Tuesday 26 March 2019

CoSLA Conference Centre, Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, Verity House, 19 Haymarket Yards, Edinburgh  EH12 5BH

This One Day Conference organised by European Policy Solutions will look at the current and potential use of hydrogen and fuel cells as a zero emission fuel and energy source for the port and maritime industries in the North Sea Region. The Region has some of the largest ports in the EU and plays a major role in the economic prosperity and well-being of the North Sea Region.  However, like other transport modes they are under increasing pressure to reduce pollution, greenhouse gases and noise.  For instance, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has agreed a target to reduce the shipping sector’s C02 emissions by 50% by 2050.  The Agreement includes a reference to bring shipping in line with the Paris Agreements temperature goal, which seeks to limit global warming to “well below” two degrees Centigrade.

The Conference will develop a number of themes from the European Hydrogen Ports Conference held in Brussels in November 2018.  It will also introduce new themes to reflect the activities and priorities in the North Sea Region and examine prospects for greater co-operation across the North Sea Region.

The EU’s Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Directive (2014/94/EU) states that LNG must be available at all TEN-T Network ports.  It makes no mention of hydrogen in the maritime sector but in the last few years there have been significant changes in the North Sea Region and the maritime sector are developing the first fuel cell vessels. A number of larger ports are looking at the development of larger electrolysers and developing hydrogen and alternative fuel strategies.  With significant amounts of hydrogen being produced, there is a real possibility of a reduction in the hydrogen price.  A number of fuel cell transport applications such as forklifts, buses, cars, vans and trains can be used in ports and are at, or near, commercialisation.  A more competitive price for hydrogen would help this process.

A UMAS report in 2018 looked at the introduction of zero emission ocean going vessels and was positive about their introduction with increased numbers from 2030 onwards.  The Report concluded that “for hydrogen fuel cell options, the associated costs of the technology on board (both hydrogen storage and fuel cell) weighs significantly on the overall profitability.  However, given certain projections used in this report, these costs may not be prohibitive, particularly if the development of the technology and its efficiency is encouraged through other industries and policy change.”

The first vessels will be developed in demonstration projects and ferries should be operational in Scotland and Norway by 2021. There is also great potential for fuel cell integration into port equipment, particularly heavy equipment – yard tractors and RTG cranes etc.   It is important that ports and the maritime sector work together to realise the potential of hydrogen as a zero emission fuel and energy vector.

The Agenda will examine the challenges that will need to be met if the IMO emissions targets are to be reached and the role of hydrogen in meeting these targets.  It will look at the policy initiatives that need to be taken and the technological innovation that is also needed.   Case studies and strategies will also be outlined and the Conference will finish with a policy discussion about closer working in the North Sea Region so that the Region benefits from the use of hydrogen in the ports and maritime sector.

Speakers will include senior Officers from the European Commission, national and regional governments in the North Sea Region, ports and port associations, and the hydrogen, maritime and ports industries.  Speakers who have accepted invitation include Robert Missen (European Commission: DG MOVE); Carlo Raucci (University Maritime Advisory Services); Kristina Juelsgaard (Ballard Power System); Nigel Holmes (Scottish Hydrogen Fuel Cell Association); Roel van de Pas (Nedstack); Richard Klatten (Future Proof Shipping) and Christian Byrith (North Sea INTERREG Programme.)

For further details contact Jon Jordan: e-mail [email protected] ; phone +44 1259 781404 or +44 776 476 4773

Delegate Rate:       £100 + VAT

Early Bird Rate until 14th March 2019 :  £80 + VAT

Agenda