World’s 1st hydrogen-hybrid research vessel causes 75% less emissions

The world’s first hydrogen-hybrid research vessel could be launched soon. The preliminary design for the California Coastal Research Vessel (CCRV) has been approved by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS).

Glosten, a naval architecture and marine engineering firm, designed the vessel.

Scripps Institution of Oceanography will operate the CCRV, which features a propulsion system that uses hydrogen fuel cells for zero emissions operation.

Pioneering emission-free research: California’s hydrogen-hybrid vessel sets sail

The unique propulsion system of the ship will allow it to function without any greenhouse gas or other emissions, for almost 75% of its missions. But this will only be applicable to the state waters.

Longer journeys will be equipped with extra power fueled by clean-running modern diesel generators. California as a state has always been advocating for reducing global climate risk and moving towards a carbon-neutral economy. This seems like a step in that direction.

California research emissions will also use the CCRV to observe and measure biological, chemical, geological and physical processes. These include understanding fisheries, harmful algal blooms, El Nino storms, atmospheric rivers, sea-level rise, ocean acidification and oxygen depletion zones much better.

Associate Director of Scripps Bruce Appelgate revealed that their goal is to produce a fully capable ocean-going research vessel. It must be one that meets the needs of scientists and students. It should also demonstrate that this can be done in a way that absolutely minimizes its impact on the environment.

Praising the vessel, he said, “This will be a world-class oceanographic research vessel that aligns with our institutional values for protecting the planet.”

Training future scientists: Hydrogen-hybrid vessel to replace R/V Robert Gordon Sproul

The new vessel will engage in its mission to train scientists, leaders, and policymakers. It is likely to carry around 45 students and teachers to sea during the day.

This new vessel will replace research vessel (R/V) Robert Gordon Sproul which is almost nearing its service. The maritime industry seems to cause a disruption with regard to innovation with this vessel.

“This new vessel will feature an innovative hybrid propulsion system that integrates hydrogen fuel cells alongside a conventional diesel-electric power plant, enabling zero-emission operations” said a press release .

Glosten has been working closely with the ABS and the US Coast Guard to make sure everything follows the proper rules and regulations. However, they had to combat one challenge.

And, that was to harmonize the requirements of the modern research vessel with the upcoming regulations and novel technologies for liquid hydrogen fuel. But, they passed through that.

All of this is fueled by the drive towards a green and clean economy and California has been playing a pivotal role in that. The Department of Energy had chosen California as one of the seven hydrogen hubs. The DOE will fund coordinated networks of hydrogen fuel producers.

As of now, the project team is progressing the CCRV to a functional-level design. They have also been assisting Scripps with a request for a proposal for beginning solicitation for construction.