Background
The East Frisian region intends to jointly and pro-actively promote hydrogen development. The aim is to promote the development of a hydrogen economy and hydrogen infrastructure in East Frisia through close cooperation and with a joint office. By networking business, science and local authorities, entrepreneurial hydrogen activities are to be supported regionally, projects are to be developed jointly and East Frisia’s regional ability to act and responsiveness to hydrogen development is to be established. A key reason for this commitment is the special suitability of East Frisia as a location for green hydrogen development in Lower Saxony and Germany.

Goals
1. Marketable ship concept with upscaling potential
A new ship concept is to be developed and optimised in a feasibility study with a focus on design, transport performance, cost structure and operating conditions. Particular emphasis is placed on the marketability of the concept so that it can provide relevant support in the transformation to climate-neutral shipping through corresponding upscaling potentials.
2. Cost-efficient, self-sufficient ship operation by maximising the wind-powered main propulsion system
The attractive and innovative character of the project aims at the development of a new type of ship whose energy demand is covered by a share of free wind energy to be maximised. The automated, high-performance wind main propulsion system is supplemented by a climate-neutral auxiliary propulsion system based on renewable, hydrogen-based fuels. This makes it possible to operate the ship independently of the weather.
3. Networking for climate-neutral wind-based ship propulsion concepts
A network of companies and research institutions is to be established. This will cover the entire spectrum of competences and services for the development, construction and operation of innovative ship concepts with wind as the main source of propulsion. The aim is to create optimal development potential for the maritime industry as a basis for a strong market position in the future market of climate-neutral shipping.
Partners
Assosciated parters
Bureau Veritas SA (Hamburg)
Eco Flettner GmbH (Leer)
Freudenberg Fuel Cell e-Power Systems GmbH (München)
ENERCON Logistic GmbH (Aurich)
Hartmann Shipping Services Germany GmbH & Co. KG (Leer)
HB Hunte Engineering GmbH (Oldenburg)
Judel/vrolijk & co design + engineering GmbH (Bremerhaven)
Nautitec GmbH & Co. KG (Leer)
Ostseestaal GmbH & Co. KG (Stralsund)
Peters Werft GmbH (Wewelsfleth)
Rörd Braren Bereederung- GmbH & Co. KG (Kollmar)
Verband Deutscher Reeder (Hamburg)
Project funding

The RASANT project is funded by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport with a total of 2.9 million euros as part of the National Innovation Program for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology. The funding guideline is coordinated by NOW GmbH and implemented by the Project Management Agency Jülich (PtJ).