Waves Group Aids Green Marine’s Project Verdant to Secure ‘Approval in Principle’ by RINA
Waves Group is proud to announce that Project Verdant has been awarded Approval in Principle (AiP) by the global classification society RINA. This groundbreaking project aims to retrofit Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs) with hydrogen fuel cells and batteries, significantly reducing emissions while servicing offshore wind farms.
Led by Green Marine UK, with support from EMEC (European Marine Energy Centre) and Waves Group, and further backed by Innovate UK, Project Verdant promises to cut CO2 emissions by up to 30% and NOx emissions by up to 40%.
A comprehensive study has established a solid foundation, providing a clear technological and regulatory pathway for using hydrogen as an alternative marine fuel in the CTV market. With RINA’s AiP, the project can now advance to the basic design, detailed engineering, and field-testing phases. Project Verdant’s conceptual design incorporates hydrogen fuel cells connected to electric motors, enabling zero-emission operation at low speeds – ideal for servicing offshore wind farms.
As a key player within the consortium, Waves Group has been instrumental in the design and feasibility study, ensuring the integration of innovative technologies while maintaining operational efficiency and safety standards.
The overall system is designed to enhance vessel redundancy and flexibility by utilising locations where hydrogen is, or will be, readily available. This approach establishes a platform to advance maritime decarbonisation in a challenging sector while maintaining the vessel’s operational profile. This initiative proves that a new standard for environmental responsibility in offshore services is achievable from both technical and commercial perspectives.
The ultimate goal is to expand the fleet with new-build Zero Emissions CTVs and Service Operation Vessels (SOVs), leveraging insights gained from retrofitting existing vessels. This approach not only de-risks the implementation of hydrogen fuel-cell technology but also paves the way for rapid adoption and scalability.
Project Verdant’s importance extends beyond its immediate environmental benefits. It sets a precedent for future maritime innovations and underscores the critical role of effective collaboration among industry leaders. The project’s wider industry recognition is exemplified by Roberto Tuda, our Naval Architect, receiving the Innovator Award at this year’s Scottish Renewables Green Energy Awards in Scotland in May.
We are pleased to be involved with this project, as it further strengthens our position as a key player in the maritime sector’s energy transition and decarbonisation efforts.
For more information about Waves Group’s involvement in Project Verdant and our maritime consultancy services, contact us at [email protected] or call +44 (0) 20 7083 7266.
Image: Digital Render of Hydrogen retrofitted Green Storm CTV
