Metal Powder instead of Gas Cylinder Researchers Develop Innovative Hydrogen Storage for Passenger Ships

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In the H2MASS project, researchers are developing a 4 MW hydrogen energy system for port operations. Instead of classic high-pressure tanks, the consortium led by Meyer Werft relies on metal hydrides—and uses a digital twin for design.

The reduction of maritime emissions presents significant challenges for shipbuilding. Since shore power for the emission-free port operation of large passenger ships is often not widely available and requires substantial infrastructure effort, onboard hydrogen systems are coming into focus. As part of the H2MASS project, the Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Meyer Werft, and the Helmut Schmidt University of the Bundeswehr Hamburg (HSU) (Germany) are now developing an innovative hydrogen storage system designed to cover the hotel load during port operations.

The Material: Chemical Storage instead of High Pressure

At the core of the design is a storage module based on metal hydrides. These powdered metals chemically store hydrogen atoms within their lattice structure. For development engineers, this approach offers several advantages over conventional high-pressure tanks: The storage density is significantly higher, reducing space requirements. Additionally, metal hydrides require lower pressure for storage and only moderate temperatures for release. This makes the operation of the system inherently safer and more energy-efficient.

System Integration of a 4 MW Storage System

Over a project duration of 48 months, an energy system with a target capacity of 4 MW that can be integrated into shipbuilding is to be developed. Meyer Werft is coordinating the project and taking on the detailed ship concept. The core engineering task lies in the complete system design: engineers must integrate the storage system into the ship while considering strict technical, safety, and regulatory requirements (keyword: FuelEU Maritime Regulation) and evaluate the operational limits of the system. The associated partner for later practical application is Carnival Maritime GmbH.

Simulation Before the Real Experiment

While the Hereon Institute for Hydrogen Technology develops the physical, scalable storage module and builds a demonstrator for realistic testing, the HSU is driving virtual product development forward. The researchers are creating a digital twin of the storage system. This interactive, virtual model is continuously updated with real data. It enables developers to perform simulation-based optimization and digital scaling for real ships. This allows materials and system behavior to be tested virtually before labor-intensive real-world experiments are conducted.

We are developing a fully integrable storage system that can be adapted to different ship types and sizes. In the future, the system is intended not only to cover the hotel load but also to provide energy for propulsion or hybrid operating modes.

Dr. Maximilian Passing, H2MASS Project Manager at the Hereon Institute

The H2MASS project is funded and coordinated by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) and Project Management Jülich (PtJ).