JERA Nex bp Achieves Full Operational Status for Ostend Hydrogen Bunkering Facility
JERA Nex bp, a global offshore wind company, has successfully commissioned its new hydrogen bunkering facility at the Port of Ostend, marking its transition to full operational status.
The Ostend Hydrogen Refuelling Station aims to bridge a key gap in the green hydrogen supply chain—from production to maritime application—serving as a proof of concept for advancing the decarbonization of offshore wind operations.
During its 2025 demonstration phase, the station will initially provide fuel for a single hydrogen-powered Crew Transfer Vessel (CTV), the Hydrocat 48, owned and operated by Windcat. Still, it is designed with the capacity to refuel multiple vessels daily.
Developed under the EU-funded ISHY (Implementation of Ship Hybridisation) program, the Hydrogen Refuelling Station (HRS) showcases hybrid and hydrogen technologies for shipping and port operations. The ISHY initiative, part of the EU’s Interreg 2 Seas program and co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund, supports cross-border projects focused on climate adaptation and low-carbon innovation.
By validating the practical application of green hydrogen in maritime refuelling, the ISHY project aims to reduce emissions and accelerate Europe’s transition to climate-neutral shipping.
JERA Nex BP led the station’s development and demonstration in partnership with more than ten industry and research collaborators, coordinated by the Port of Ostend. Haskel acted as the main contractor overseeing construction, while the hydrogen supplied by Lhyfe is produced from renewable energy sources in France and Germany.
Aligned with its broader R&D strategy, JERA Nex bp continues to explore innovations that enhance the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of offshore operations. These efforts include advancements in predictive maintenance, aquaculture integration, and lightweight materials for maritime transport—key steps toward building a sustainable global offshore energy ecosystem.
