CMB collaborates with Volvo for development of dual-fuel hydrogen engines

Compagnie Maritime Belge (CMB)’s clean technology division, CMB.Tech, teams up with Volvo’s engine maker, Volvo Penta, to speed up the development of dual-fuel hydrogen-powered solutions for both on-land and at-sea applications.

The companies have worked together in pilot projects since 2017, adapting Volvo Penta engines to run as a dual-fuel hydrogen and diesel solution via the conversion kit provided by CMB.TECH. The strengthened collaboration will be aimed at establishing a dual-fuel hydrogen technology as a low-carbon interim solution before suitable zero-emissions alternatives become viable, CMB.Tech. said.

The partnership will cover pilot projects and small-scale industrialisation of a hydrogen dual-fuel solution for selected customers. The design and testing of the hydrogen-injection system on Volvo Penta engines will take place at CMB.TECH’s technology and development centre in Brentwood, UK.

According to the developers, the dual-fuel solution’s main advantage is that it will reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases and, if hydrogen is not available, the application will continue to run on traditional fuel, thereby safeguarding productivity.

CMB’s partnership with Volvo follows the move earlier this year to set up a hydrogen fuelling station at Stockholm Norvik Port. CMB.Tech and Ports of Stockholm will jointly invest in port operations and service offerings to shipping companies and haulage firms, with the first hydrogen-fuelled terminal truck expected to be in operation in 2023.