The Port of La Spezia, one of Italy’s main military naval bases, saw Italy’s first hydrogen bunkering operation from BluEnergy Revolution‘s mobile land vehicle to a vessel at the Baglietto Shipyard using low-pressure metal hydride storage technology — the same system used by the Italian Navy’s U212 submarines. Authorised by the Eastern Ligurian Sea Port Authority, through a full multi-phase safety protocol, the operation established a proof-of-concept for low-pressure hydrogen transfer in a working port environment.

BluEnergy Revolutions has also beeen involved in the development of a modular hybrid boat, Biim, a 12 metres, 11 tons port service vessel. Cofunded by the European Regional Development Fund, the initial tests were conducted in the seas of the Gulf of Poets and the Cinque Terre. The company Cantieri Navali del Tigullio produced the eco-friendly composite hull using only recyclable natural fibres and resins, while Blue Energy Revolution created the hydrogen plant and Vulkan Italy created the transmission facility that could build the hybrid propulsion system.

The Biim vessel is equipped with a hybrid power generation system that uses salt batteries and PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) fuel cells that are driven by pure hydrogen kept in metal hydride storage cylinders. Fuel cells that generate electricity for the boat’s electric engines are powered by hydrogen. This prevents the boat’s emissions from being hazardous and polluting when it is in motion.La Spezia is also home to Leonardo, Italy’s largest military equipment company.

BluEnergy Revolution was started in 2015 as a spinoff of the University of Genoa and as a cooperative is dealing with research and development of technological solutions. BluEnergy Revolution has contributed to the development of the Fincantieri HI-SEA Joint Laboratory. Fincantieri is one of Italy’s main shipbuilders involved in an EU IPCEI project to integrate hydrogen in cruise ships.

Phot : courtesy of BluEnergy Revolution