INTERREG Italy-Croatia "TransH2" project, in which the Department of Engineering and Architecture (DIA) of the University of Trieste is a partner, has started. It will deal with the use of hydrogen as an energy vector for ship propulsion in maritime traffic in the northern Adriatic Sea.

As part of TransH2, the DIA's operational unit will analyse maritime connections for short-haul travellers, with a focus on mobility and the possible reduced environmental impact of using hydrogen. A number of pilot, interregional and cross-border connections will then be selected, against which different operational solutions for implementing this technology will be evaluated.

Led by the University of Rijeka, Faculty of Maritime Studies, the project involves not only UniTS, but also the Croatian Chamber of Economy, Zadar County Development Agency ZADRA NOVA, Urbanex Ltd., Maritime Technology Cluster FVG S.c.ar.l., Navalprogetti Srl and Start Romagna S.p.A.

In general, TransH2 focuses on the development of innovative solutions for maritime transport, including hydrogen-powered ships and the relevant refuelling infrastructures in ports. This will help to achieve the goal of bringing zero-emission ships to the market by 2030 (envisaged by the European Sustainable Mobility Strategy).

The project's main activities include research and analysis of options for greener maritime transport links, through the introduction of hydrogen transport solutions in pilot areas, the development of innovative hydrogen-powered passenger ship designs for local and cross-border traffic (proof-of-concept) and the preparation of fully feasible case studies.