Offshore wind firm JERA Nex bp, a joint venture between Japan’s JERA and the UK’s bp, has commissioned a new hydrogen bunkering station in Belgium to advance the use of green fuels in offshore wind operations.
The Ostend Hydrogen Bunkering Station serves as a key link between green hydrogen production and maritime users.
During its 2025 demonstration phase, it will refuel the hydrogen-powered crew transfer vessel Hydrocat 48, operated by Windcat, and has capacity to serve several vessels daily.
Developed under the EU-funded ISHY (Implementation of Ship Hybridisation) programme, the project aims to demonstrate how hydrogen can help decarbonise shipping and port operations. The hydrogen used is produced from renewable electricity in France and Germany and supplied by Lhyfe.
Kristof Verlinden, Head of Global O&M at JERA Nex bp, said: “By investing in projects like this, we’re accelerating the shift toward cleaner, smarter offshore operations and proving that sustainability and performance can go hand in hand.”
Charlotte Verkeyn, First Alderman of the City of Ostend, said the station strengthens the port’s ambition to lead maritime decarbonisation through innovation and international partnerships.
The project reflects JERA Nex bp’s wider research and innovation drive to make offshore wind and maritime operations more efficient and sustainable, supporting the global shift toward cleaner energy at sea.
