The H4PERION (Hydrogen FOR Performance Enhancement and Reliable Ice OperatioN) project, which aims to operate large-tonnage ships with hydrogen engines, will be funded by Horizon Europe. Within the framework of the project led by Finland’s University of Vaasa, the possibilities of using hydrogen fuel on large vessels will be tested.
The goal of this four-year project is to address the high energy demand of large ships—which battery and fuel cell technologies cannot yet fully meet—by introducing a new engine concept powered by hydrogen and biomethane. The technology will first be installed on the “Aurora Botnia” ferry operating between Finland and Sweden, and will also be optimized in a laboratory environment using a digital twin model.
Professor Matseys Mikulskis from the University of Vaasa stated that the innovative combustion concept (RCCI) to be applied within the project is expected to achieve 55% net efficiency and near-zero emission levels.
The consortium includes well-known industry partners and research institutions such as Wärtsilä, Deltamarin, the American Bureau of Shipping, and Wasaline. The project will not only focus on technological innovation but will also contribute to the development of crew training materials and future safety regulations.
