Hycamite receives AiP certification from DNV

DNV granted Approval in Principle (AiP) to Hycamite's concept design for a pre-combustion solid carbon capture system. The system produces hydrogen from LNG on board ships using Hycamite's thermocatalytic cracking (TCD) technology. This is the first time DNV has recognised this type of technology in AiP.

Hycamite's proprietary thermocatalytic cracking (TCD) technology offers a new approach to producing clean hydrogen by breaking down methane, the main component of liquefied natural gas (LNG), into hydrogen and solid carbon. Unlike traditional methods, which produce carbon dioxide emissions, Hycamite's process uses heat and recyclable catalysts in an oxygen-free environment, resulting in no CO₂ emissions and the creation of valuable solid carbon by-products such as graphite and carbon nanofibers.

This innovation is significant because it can reduce carbon dioxide emissions from maritime transport. Hycamite's promising new solution for methane decomposition enables the use of hydrogen in larger LNG-powered deep-sea vessels. The ship's system enables LNG to be converted into hydrogen while the ship is in operation, providing a clean fuel source for dual-fuel engines or fuel cells. At the same time, solid carbon is recovered and stored on board, eliminating the need for liquid hydrogen infrastructure and significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. If biomethane is used as fuel, the ship's operations can be carbon-negative.

"This milestone is a significant step towards sustainable shipping and low-carbon energy innovation," says Laura Rahikka, CEO of Hycamite. "DNV's approval in principle highlights the viability of our methane decomposition technology and its potential in shipping. By enabling hydrogen production on board from LNG and carbon capture in solid form, our solution offers a practical alternative to liquefied hydrogen while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions."

"At DNV, nothing makes us prouder than being able to help bring truly new technologies to market," adds Torill Grimstad Osberg, Senior Technical Advisor, Alternative Fuels and Piping Systems, DNV Maritime. "This AiP is the first time we have recognised carbon dioxide capture technology designed for hydrogen production on ships, and we congratulate Hycamite on its innovative and forward-looking approach to reducing carbon dioxide emissions in shipping. As the maritime industry strives to achieve zero emissions, it is vital to find new fuel solutions that are efficient, scalable, and environmentally friendly. We look forward to continuing this collaboration and are ready to leverage our expertise to support the safe implementation of this innovative technology."

This breakthrough technology has the potential to transform shipping by enabling hydrogen production on ships from LNG without the need for new fuel infrastructure. By binding carbon in a solid form, it also supports the creation of a circular economy at sea. It offers a practical way to reduce carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions from LNG-powered ships worldwide.

Approval in Principle (AiP) is an independent assessment based on predefined requirements. It confirms the design's feasibility and ensures there are no significant technical obstacles to its implementation.