Cleanergy Solutions Namibia’s construction of Africa’s first hydrogen-powered vessel is underway in the Netherlands. The ship, a multi-purpose harbour utility vessel, is in the final stages of technical design, with steel cutting and physical construction already in progress.
According to Suzie Shefeni, Research Associate at the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), the vessel is powered by dual-fuel hydrogen engines and is expected to undergo sea trials by the end of 2025 before being handed over to Namport.
“Another feature of the Cleanergy Solutions project is the construction of the first hydrogen-powered ship in Africa. This multi-purpose harbour utility vessel is in the final stages of technical design in the Netherlands, where steel cutting and construction has begun,” Shefeni stated in a recent report.
Shefeni noted that the broader Cleanergy project is currently in the installation and commissioning phase. The hydrogen refuelling station, initially expected to be operational in the fourth quarter of 2024, is now anticipated to be fully functional by mid-2025.
“The Walvis Bay Cleanergy site currently features a 6.5-hectare solar park with over 7,000 bifacial panels,” she added.
She also said that Cleanergy plans to expand its operations inland, due to the impact of fog and sandstorms at the coastal site.
“The Arandis site will see the development of 2,000 hectares of land for 1GW of solar energy generation and 500MW of hydrogen production,” said Shefeni.
Cleanergy said the vessel is being developed in partnership with CMB.TECH, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, and Namport.
The company stated that the vessel, officially termed a Multifunctional Port Utility Vessel (MPHUV), is designed to integrate a variety of port operation equipment and will use dual-fuel hydrogen engines.
Cleanergy added that the Port of Walvis Bay and Namport were chosen to operate the vessel. The port’s involvement will provide input during development and help refine the design based on operational feedback once the vessel is commissioned.
