sHYpS reaches a key milestone in on-lnd hydrogen system testing

The sHYpS Project has entered an important new phase of technical progress with the start of activities related to the on-land testing task within Work Package 6, “LH2 Storage Ship Integration, Testing and Demonstrator.”

Last week, under the supervision of project partners CENERGY srl and Chart Industries, Inc., the installation of auxiliary systems began at the test site in Staranzano (Gorizia). This milestone marks a key step toward integration with the tank and tank connection space prototypes, paving the way for the first on-land testing of the sHYpS hydrogen system.

Further installations of the remaining system components will continue over the coming months, leading to the completion of the facility with the delivery of the empty hydrogen tank for safety testing.

The Transport Team of PNO Innovation Italia met last week to discuss key aspects of the sHYpS project, bringing together expertise across project management, exploitation, dissemination, and communication.

During the meeting, Michela Apruzzese, Anastasiya Azarko, Michele Vavallo and Bita Sekhavati focused on project management activities, sharing updates on progress and coordination while reflecting on best practices to ensure the smooth implementation of the project. In parallel, the discussion addressed strategic approaches to exploitation, dissemination, and communication, with Manuela Guiducci contributing insights on how to maximize the project’s visibility, impact, and long-term value.

The exchange provided a valuable opportunity to align perspectives, strengthen collaboration within the team, and reinforce a shared vision for enhancing the outcomes of sHYpS at both technical and stakeholder levels.

We are pleased to share Newsletter #7 of the sHYpS project, highlighting the significant technical progress achieved in recent months.

Construction of the Viking Libra and development of the LH2 system are advancing steadily, key components are being prepared for testing, and the infrastructure for system validation is now in place.

These milestones mark an important step toward demonstrating safe, efficient, and sustainable hydrogen propulsion for maritime transport.

Download the issue here!

This week, sHYpS is on site in Děčín, Czech Republic, where our partner Navalprogetti is taking part in the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) for the Chart Industries, Inc. equipment.

This milestone marks significant progress in advancing the technologies that will power next-generation hydrogen solutions for maritime applications.

We are proud to move forward together with our partners and continue paving the way for sustainable, hydrogen-powered shipping!

The sHYpS Project was featured at the 18th Offshore Energy Exhibition & Conference, held in Amsterdam.

Representing the project’s coordinating partner Navalprogetti, Silvio Stenta and Alessandro Bernardini took part in the event, presenting the latest developments and milestones achieved within sHYpS.

Visitors had the opportunity to meet the team at stand 2.206–5 (ADMA) and learn more about how the project is advancing the adoption of hydrogen-based propulsion systems for sustainable maritime transport.

Participation in the Offshore Energy Exhibition & Conference provided an important opportunity to connect with industry stakeholders and highlight sHYpS’s contribution to the decarbonisation of the shipping sector through innovation and collaboration.

The Università degli Studi di Trieste has been recognized with the Best Paper Award at Hydrogen Horizons, a prestigious international conference bringing together leading experts to explore the future of hydrogen technologies across industries and continents.

Representing the University of Trieste, Davide Pivetta received the award for his presentation titled “Comparative Design Optimization of Low-Temperature Fuel Cell Systems Powered by Pure Hydrogen.”

The work was carried out within the framework of the sHYpS project (sustainable HYdrogen powered Shipping), which aims to accelerate the adoption of hydrogen-based propulsion systems in the maritime sector.

The awarded research focuses on the comparative design optimization of low-temperature fuel cell systems for marine applications, addressing key challenges in system efficiency, compactness, and integration on board vessels. By applying advanced modelling and simulation techniques, the study identifies optimal configurations for hydrogen fuel cell architectures that can enable zero-emission propulsion in maritime transport.

Within the sHYpS project, the Università di Trieste leads research activities on system-level optimization and energy integration of hydrogen-based power systems. This recognition underscores the university’s central role in advancing European hydrogen innovation and supporting the decarbonisation of the shipping industry.

Today, Navalprogetti is hosting another important technical follow-up meeting focused on the progress and upcoming steps of the sHYpS Project.

The agenda includes:

– Review of the TCS/FPR access doors and connection hoses test report
– Status of prototypes: LH₂ tank, TCS/FPR, tank-to-TCS connection system, skid, and fuel cell system
– Certification and class approval progress
– Preparation of on-land test facility and test schedule
– Hydrogen supplier status
– HAZOP (Hazard and Operability Study)
– Planning of sea trials, LH₂ system delivery & demonstration for the EU, and the sHYpS final event
– sHYpS Amendment – project extension

These meetings are essential to ensure alignment across all partners and to maintain momentum toward delivering a fully integrated, class-approved, hydrogen-based onboard energy system.

A special thanks to our partners Viking, Chart Industries, Inc., CENERGY srl, Lloyd’s Register, as well as to key stakeholders FINCANTIERI and GORIZIANE HOLDING S.p.A. for their active participation and valuable contributions.

Great engagement and strong interest at Gastech Milan, where Eng. Irene Lavagnini, R&D Manager at Navalprogetti Srl, had the pleasure of presenting the sHYpS Project and its encouraging results at the Chart Industries, Inc. booth.

The project is now entering its final phase, with land-based testing set to begin ahead of the upcoming onboard installation.

A big thank you to Chart Industries for the warm hospitality, and to all attendees for the stimulating conversations and enthusiasm around clean hydrogen solutions.

Hamburg, 10–12 September 2025 – The sHYpS Project took centre stage at SeaTrade Europe 2025, the leading meeting point for the cruise and maritime community, where industry stakeholders came together to explore the biggest shifts shaping the future of maritime transport – from decarbonisation and smart ship design to evolving guest experiences, port innovation, and community engagement.

In Hall A4 | Stand 634, sHYpS Project partners Navalprogetti Srl, PNO Innovation Italia, and Università degli Studi di Trieste – represented by Pierluigi Busetto, Filippo Rezzante, Manuela Guiducci, and Rodolfo Taccani – presented the project’s breakthrough: a modular, swappable LH₂ storage solution, adaptable to a wide range of vessel types. This innovation is designed to accelerate the shipping industry’s transition towards IMO’s 2030 and 2050 climate targets.

On Wednesday, 10 September, Pierluigi Busetto (Navalprogetti Srl) represented sHYpS in the expert panel “Ships of the Future: Designing for Sustainability and Resilience.” The session tackled key challenges facing the cruise industry, including fuel availability, infrastructure readiness, lifecycle adaptability, digital innovation, crew qualifications, and the balance between alternative propulsion and passenger comfort. Pierluigi shared how the sHYpS Project is addressing these challenges through its LH₂ swappable storage system – a scalable and future-proof solution that enables ships to transition to clean propulsion technologies throughout their operating life. He also emphasised the importance of cross-sector collaboration to bridge existing infrastructure gaps and support wider adoption. In a closing round imagining SeaTrade Europe 2037, Pierluigi stressed the role of EU-funded innovation in driving a maritime future rooted in flexibility, integration, and long-term impact.

On Thursday, 11 September, sHYpS hosted a joint session at its booth, bringing together three other leading EU-funded initiatives:

• SEAMLESS Project (HEU)

• GREEN MARINE MED (EMFAF)

• TransH2 Project (INTERREG ITA-CRO)

The event featured:

• Irene Lavagnini (Navalprogetti Srl), presenting the sHYpS concept and showcasing the 3D model and project video

• Manuela Guiducci (PNO Innovation Italia), presenting SEAMLESS through a dedicated video on integrated maritime logistics

• Carlo Kraskovic, presenting GREEN MARINE MED and TransH2 and their contributions to greener systems in the Mediterranean and Adriatic regions

The session concluded with a lively exchange focused on building synergies across projects – to align efforts, promote cross-fertilisation, reduce duplication, share infrastructures, and boost market uptake of innovative solutions. This collaborative moment highlighted a shared commitment to working together across project boundaries, with a clear ambition to open up new opportunities for future partnerships and a more connected, sustainable maritime innovation ecosystem.

sHYpS is proud to be at the forefront of this movement, actively contributing to a more sustainable, resilient, and future-ready maritime industry.

We are excited to announce that on Thursday, September 11th at 10:30, the sHYpS project will host a joint session at its booth during SeaTrade Hamburg, bringing together four leading EU-funded projects committed to shaping the future of sustainable maritime transport:

Hall A4 | Stand 634

Agenda Highlights:

• sHYpS (HEU) – Project overview, video, and an exclusive 3D model showcase
• SEAMLESS (HEU) – Video presentation
• GREEN MARINE MED (EMFAF) – Project presentation
• TRANSH2 (INTERREG ITA-CRO) – Project presentation
• A joint discussion on synergies to foster alignment, cross-fertilization, cost-efficiency, and market uptake across initiatives
  

This session represents a unique opportunity to witness how European projects are working together to accelerate maritime decarbonisation and innovation.

Join us and be part of the change!