The partnership between Shell Brasil, Ocyan and Protium Dynamics broadens its search for contributing to the decarbonization of the offshore industry with a groundbreaking Research and Development project in Brazil. The initiative explores the potential of hydrogen when added to internal combustion fuels of offshore vessels, such as rigs and tankers. After investing R$ 17.7 million in the first phase, through the PD&I (Research, Development & Innovation) clause of ANP (Brazilian National Agency for Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels), Shell Brasil invests over R$ 23.1 million in the second phase of the project.

The proposal is to develop a smart onboard on-demand hydrogen production system, capable of collecting and interpreting data on the fuels continuously and calculating the amount of hydrogen to be produced and injected safely and efficiently. The technology under development enables the integration of hydrogen and existing diesel engines, waiving significant changes in the vessel and helping the sector in the decarbonization goals.

The first technology readiness phase was completed in August 2024. The second phase of the project, which started in August 2024, will last 27 months. “Until the second semester of 2026, the project will go through technology readiness levels (TRL) 4 and 5 and may reach the readiness required for the operational testing phase and, if it succeeds, the possibility of being commercialized,” states Rodrigo Chamusca, Ocyan’s executive manager for Digital Business and Technology.

Operating a dynamic positioning offshore vessel or navigating by sea require a high maritime diesel consumption. With the calibrated hydrogen injection, the technology under development will enable a significant reduction in diesel consumption and in the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs), in addition to a drop in operational costs. A drop of 4.5 tons of carbon gas per year is estimated when compared to the current indexes, when applying the technology in rig and tanker engines.

“Innovation and technology are fundamental pillars for the sustainable development of the industry that is looking for cleaner energy solutions. This project is an opportunity to support the development of technologies in Brazil, which can enable the reduction of fossil fuel offshore, in addition to looking to contribute to the decarbonization of the oil and gas industry,” highlights Rosane Zagatti, Technology manager at Shell.

The technology, with patent applied by Ocyan and Protium, has recently earned the international AiP (Approval in Principle) qualification by DNV, a leading independent risk management classification society. That shows the effectiveness and reliability of the system, including from the point of view of safety-focused operational risks. 

“We are developing the technology and the product in a technically structured and robust manner, so that it may become an effective solution for the decarbonization of existing assets. This technology is easy to implement and intends to significantly contribute to the energy transition. We are optimistic about the next steps of technology development and application,” says Igor Zornitta Zanella, Executive Officer of Protium Dynamics.