This innovative project, led by Ulster University and supported by industry partners including Artemis Technologies, Energia Group, and CCP Gransden, focused on making hydrogen-powered vessels safer for marine use. As hydrogen becomes a key alternative fuel in the push for cleaner transport, ensuring its safe storage and handling is essential—especially at sea.
The team developed and tested a new kind of hydrogen storage tank that doesn’t explode in a fire. Instead of relying on traditional pressure relief devices, these tanks use a unique “self-venting” design that gently releases hydrogen in the event of a fire, preventing dangerous build-ups and explosions. This patented technology, invented by Ulster University, was successfully turned into working prototypes by CCP Gransden.
The project also explored how hydrogen tanks are filled and emptied, helping to identify safer ways to refuel vessels. Industry partners gained hands-on experience with safety tools and techniques, and the findings are already influencing future research and development.
Beyond technical achievements, the project contributed to shaping future safety regulations for hydrogen use in shipping. It highlighted gaps in current rules and proposed new approaches that could make hydrogen-powered transport safer worldwide.
This work has drawn international interest and is paving the way for larger-scale applications in ships, vehicles, and even aircraft. Ulster University continues to lead efforts to bring this technology to market and into global safety standards.