Research funding for the use of hydrogen in maritime transport
A consortium led by the University of Vaasa has received significant Horizon Europe funding for a large-scale research and innovation project aimed at steering long-distance maritime transport toward a zero-emission future. The H4PERION project—Hydrogen FOR Performance Enhancement and Reliable Ice OperatioN—will demonstrate for the first time in practice how a large vessel operates with a hydrogen-compatible internal combustion engine. This is a significant step forward in the development of clean maritime transport technologies.
Long-distance maritime transport is one of the sectors where it is most difficult to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Ships operating continuously for weeks on end require enormous amounts of energy and absolute reliability—demands that current batteries and fuel cells are not yet able to meet on a large scale. At the same time, international climate regulations are tightening, and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is already requiring significant emission reductions within this decade. The need for new alternative fuels and propulsion technologies is growing.
– The industry is researching several low-carbon fuels, and hydrogen is seen as one promising zero-carbon option. It produces no carbon emissions and can be used with familiar, reliable, and fuel-flexible internal combustion engine technology. This offers shipowners a future-proof solution for reducing emissions. However, hydrogen-powered engines have not previously been demonstrated on large ships, and there are still unresolved issues regarding fuel handling, supply, safety, and regulation, says Henri Karimäki, Director of Research and Development at the University of Vaasa.
H4PERION addresses these challenges by leveraging Europe’s strong maritime expertise and accelerating the adoption of clean propulsion systems on large ships.
A first-of-its-kind practical implementation at sea
Over the course of the four-year project, H4PERION will develop and test the safe and reliable operation of a hydrogen-compatible internal combustion engine on a large ocean-going vessel. The project combines three key innovations:
- A new engine concept capable of running on hydrogen and biomethane, with the long-term goal of transitioning to fully hydrogen-based operation.
- A modern fuel blending and supply system that enables the flexible use of zero-carbon fuels.
- A new aftertreatment solution that reduces emissions under all operating conditions.
The technology is being installed and tested for the first time on a large commercial vessel, the Aurora Botnia. At the same time, an identical full-scale engine is undergoing laboratory tests that can simulate real-world sea conditions and optimize performance. Data from both test sets is fed into a digital twin—a model that supports long-term learning and future planning.
– The project is about turning promising fuel concepts into solutions that can be used safely at sea. By combining full-scale engine development with on-board trials and digital modeling, we can shorten the path from research to real-world impact in the field of low- and zero-carbon shipping,” adds Anders Öster, General Manager, Research Coordination & Funding, at Wärtsilä Marine.
The project supports a broader transition to hydrogen use in maritime transport. It produces open educational materials for crews and port operators, contributes to the development of safety guidelines and regulations, and investigates the suitability of technologies for various vessel types in the future.
In the project, the University of Vaasa is researching an innovative combustion concept, Reactivity Controlled Compression Ignition (RCCI). The goal is for the concept to achieve a 55 percent net efficiency with near-zero emissions when combined with adjustable valve control and advanced aftertreatment solutions.
– This combustion concept is considered a viable solution for the flexible integration of green hydrogen into natural gas and biogas supply chains. “To achieve the targeted net efficiency within the project timeline, we need deep integration of simulation and test environments with autonomous calibration routines,” says Maciej Mikulski, Professor of Energy Technology at the University of Vaasa.
Strong European collaboration – a key role for the Vaasa region
H4PERION brings together 16 partners from seven European countries and covers the entire maritime transport value chain, from ship design and engine development to operations, training, safety, and research. The consortium, coordinated by the University of Vaasa, includes leading industrial companies, innovative SMEs, major research institutions, and a European university network specializing in maritime transport. Project partners include Wärtsilä, WEGEMT, NTUA, TalTech, the American Bureau of Shipping, Deltamarin, the University of Oulu, Åbo Akademi, Meric Wave Computanics, DLR, BALance Technology Consulting, MEYER WERFT, and Wasaline. The partners’ extensive expertise enables the rapid and safe deployment of the technology.
In the Vaasa region, the project also serves as an example of strong regional collaboration. The University of Vaasa, Wärtsilä, and Wasaline play a key role in the European effort toward carbon-neutral long-distance transport.
The European Union’s Horizon Europe program is funding the project with 11.2 million euros through 2030. The University of Vaasa’s share of the budget is 3.2 million euros.
