As the global shipping industry confronts the challenge of urgent decarbonisation, HydrogEn Expo 2024, taking place 11-13th September at Piacenza Expo in Italy, will serve as a platform for key players to connect and accelerate the adoption of hydrogen as a zero-emission fuel for powering both vessels and port infrastructure.
The maritime sector stands at a critical juncture. Whether in fuel cells or internal combustion engines, hydrogen has emerged as a promising zero-emission fuel for decarbonising this industry, which contributes 3% of all global CO2 emissions. The launch of the first hydrogen-powered ships is encouraging but given vessels’ long lifespan, rapid progress is essential to meet the International Maritime Organization’s 2050 net zero target and avoid fossil-fuel vessels from dominating global trade for decades to come.
This is where HydrogEn Expo comes in. The exhibition and conference, taking place from 11-13th September at Piacenza Expo in Italy, will bring together leading players in the maritime sector and beyond to accelerate the development and implementation of hydrogen as an effective CO2 reduction strategy.
Beyond an extensive conference programme, HydrogEn Expo will host more than 190 exhibitors representing the entire hydrogen ecosystem. From maritime-specific solutions to broader hydrogen technologies, visitors can explore the latest innovations in hydrogen production, transportation, storage, and usage. The event will also provide a platform for sharing best practices from other transport sectors, such as buses and trucks.
The exhibitors will include:
- Consulting firms specialising in hydrogen adoption strategies and feasibility studies
- Manufacturers and integrators of fuel cell systems
- Suppliers of green hydrogen
- Companies specialising in hydrogen storage solutions
- Infrastructure providers for safe and efficient hydrogen transportation and refueling
- Service providers for the maintenance and repair of hydrogen fuel cell systems and storage tanks
The potential for ports as ‘Hydrogen Valleys’
HydrogEn Expo will attract a broad audience beyond shipbuilders and shipping companies, looking to decarbonise. Machinery OEMs and port operators will also find particular interest in hydrogen as a clean fuel for the material handling equipment essential to port operations.
Furthermore, ports are uniquely positioned to become ‘Hydrogen Valleys’, significantly contributing to the overall decarbonisation of the maritime and industrial sectors. Given that much of today’s hydrogen production and consumption already occurs in and around ports for industries like oil refining, ammonia, and chemicals, and their proximity to offshore renewable energy sources, these locations are ideal for large-scale green hydrogen generation. In these hubs, hydrogen could be produced, imported, stored, and distributed for a variety of applications, including heavy-duty transport (trucks, rail, inland waterways), onshore power generation, decarbonising port operations, and supplying industrial consumers like petrochemical plants.
Strong patronage from maritime industry bodies
Underscoring the maritime sector’s keen interest in this transition, Hydrogen Expo in Piacenza has garnered support from leading Italian trade associations, including Assarmatori (representing shipping operators), Assiterminal (representing port and terminal operators), and Assomarinas (representing marinas).
“The potential of hydrogen technologies to decarbonise the maritime sector is truly exciting,” said Fabio Potestà, director of Mediapoint & Exhibitions, the organiser of HydrogEn Expo. “We are thrilled to bring together industry leaders to drive progress for the benefit of business, society, and our planet and eagerly anticipate welcoming the maritime sector to Hydrogen Expo this September.”
HydrogEn Expo takes place 11-13th September 2024 at Piacenza Expo in Italy.
To find out more or register for your free visitor’s pass, please visit hydrogen-expo.it.
