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      Serco and Rux Energy Collaborate on Groundbreaking Hydrogen Storage Project Funded by Connected Places Catapult

      Serco and Rux Energy Collaborate on Groundbreaking Hydrogen Storage Project Funded by Connected Places Catapult

      At the Connected Places Summit today, Serco and Rux Energy have successfully completed a pioneering study aimed at revolutionizing hydrogen storage and distribution for the maritime sector and are pleased to announce the signing of MOU between Dr Jehan Kanga , Founder and CEO of Rux Energy and Michael Hayes, Transformation and Programmes Director of Serco. 

      This innovative pilot study, funded by the Connected Places Catapult through the 2024-2025 UK Maritime Accelerator Programme, marks a significant step towards a sustainable hydrogen future.

      Hydrogen, a zero-carbon emission power-fuel, can be produced through electrolysis using renewable electricity to perform a chemical reaction in water to separate hydrogen from oxygen.  Traditional hydrogen storage methods however, either involve extreme pressures to above 350 atmosphere of pressure, or cryocooling to extremely low temperatures of –263 degrees Celsius.

      These traditional methods require significant additional amounts of energy and are hazardous, driving up costs at every step of the value chain. A recent Harvard University study highlighted that storage and distribution costs hydrogen can be up to ten times higher than production costs, posing a significant disincentive to widespread hydrogen use in maritime applications.

      Rux Energy's breakthrough solution incorporates a patented advanced nanoporous materials, which fill the void of a tank, acting like a “sponge” for hydrogen molecules, increasing its density, allowing hydrogen to be stored at more moderate temperatures and lower pressures – increase energy efficiency and radically improving safety, at a fraction of the cost of traditional storage methods.

      The UK-based techno-economic modelling study, conducted in collaboration with Serco, assessed the feasibility, cost, and infrastructure requirements of a localised hydrogen supply chain for maritime applications, using proprietary data shared by Serco regarding year-wide energy demand for three different classes of high-powered workboats operated by Serco, and data provided by Connected Places Catapult regarding counterfactual future fossil and e-fuels forecast costings. The study evaluated the local supply of green hydrogen, its storage, distribution, and utilisation for workboats in a port environment, and considered practical space and end-to-end supply chain issues, to establish high reliability of fuel supply. The findings confirm hydrogen's economic feasibility and operational integration as a cost-competitive alternative to marine diesel and confirmed its viability for crew transfer vessels and short sea vessel.

      Michael Hayes, Transformation and Programmes Director from Serco said:

      “Partnering with Rux Energy in the CPC Maritime Accelerator Trial has provided Serco with a critical understanding of how the local production of green hydrogen, its storage and its use could be leveraged to support opportunities across future workboat operations. This trial has highlighted key infrastructure challenges and potential efficiencies, helping us assess the feasibility of transitioning to hydrogen as a cleaner fuel. I see this as an important step towards presenting optionality for decarbonising our fleet, and I am excited about the possibilities this technology presents for the future of maritime operations."

      Rux Energy UK Founder & CEO Dr Jehan Kanga said:

      “This study, led by Rux Energy’s Head of Strategy Marius Bosch in collaboration with Team Serco UK, has helped us validate our own hydrogen storage technology potential, providing crucial evidence to support the commercial case for demonstration of our full scale 20ft-ISO containerised storage solution, which we call HARMONY, in a maritime environment. In Serco we’ve found proactive and supportive partner and this MOU we are signing today signifies the alignment and drive both companies have in helping the UK deliver on its decarbonisation and energy security objectives for its hardest-to-abate sectors.”

      About Serco

      As an impact partner to the Defence Enterprise, Serco is proud to have been supporting the Royal Navy since 1996, operating c.100 vessels from five sites around the UK as part of their Defence Engineering and Asset Management Business. They provide an end-to-end vessel provisioning service which includes vessel design and acquisition, technical management and operations of a varied fleet of new builds, legacy vessels, conversions and chartered vessels. Serco manage over 600 UK national, security-cleared mariners specialising in the Defence sector. They also provide technical management of vessels across the full asset lifecycle, and have delivered 33 new vessels, major life extensions and modification projects to date.

      About Rux Energy

      Rux Energy is at the forefront of hydrogen storage and distribution innovation, committed to enabling a sustainable hydrogen future. Through its breakthrough nanoporous materials and advanced hydrogen storage solutions, Rux Energy aims to overcome the barriers to hydrogen adoption, resolving efficiency, safety and cost challenges, and drive the transition to clean, low cost, safe and reliable energy in the maritime sector and beyond.

      News

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      Today, on International Women in Maritime Day, the Society of Maritime Industries proudly reaffirms its commitment to supporting an equitable,…

      15 May 2025

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      13 May 2025

      The Hydrogen Energy Association Conference Discount for SMI Members

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      20 May
      20 May 2025, 10:00 – 13:00

      Scaling Up Masterclass: Mastering Maritime Market Commercialisation for Growth and Global Expansion

      Join this essential masterclass designed for companies ready to broaden their market reach and scale operations internationally.
      02 Jun
      2 Jun 2025 – 6 Jun 2025

      Nor-Shipping 2025

      Nor-Shipping is an important meeting place for companies from across the entire maritime value chain and from around the globe.  SMI will be organising and managing a UK Group Pavilion at...
      10 Jun
      10 Jun 2025 – 12 Jun 2025

      Seawork 2025

      Seawork is Europe’s largest annual commercial marine and workboat exhibition, bringing together over 7,600 industry professionals, 10,500 items of equipment and services, together with over 70...
      09 Sep
      9 Sep 2025 – 12 Sep 2025

      DSEI 2025

      Held at the easy to access ExCel exhibition centre every two years SMI has secured space in DSEI’s Naval Zone to support member companies.  The Naval Zone at DSEI is an interactive...
      21 Oct
      21 Oct 2025 – 24 Oct 2025

      KORMARINE 2025

      KORMARINE is the largest and most prestigious marine trade exhibition, fully supported by the world’s biggest Shipbuilders in Korea as well as leading international shipowners and offshore...
      04 Nov
      4 Nov 2025 – 6 Nov 2025

      Indo Pacific 2025

      Attracting industry professionals from around Australia, the region and the world, Indo Pacific 2025 will see key players from the maritime and naval defence communities come together for three days...
      07 Nov
      7 Nov 2025 – 10 Nov 2025

      Europort 2025

      Europort, organised in the world port city of Rotterdam, is the international maritime meeting place for innovative technology and complex shipbuilding. With an average of 25,000 professional...
      02 Dec
      2 Dec 2025 – 5 Dec 2025

      Marintec China 2025

      Launched for over 40 years, Marintec China has become renowned as one of the most authoritative B2B platform for the International Maritime Industry. The 2023 edition of this biennial event...
      25 Mar
      25 Mar 2026 – 27 Mar 2026

      Asia Pacific Maritime (APM) 2026

      APM (Asia Pacific Maritime) is the premier exhibition and conference in Asia showcasing a complete overview of the vessel sectors services and solutions, technology, vessel equipment, supplies, and...
      01 Jun
      1 Jun 2026 – 5 Jun 2026

      POSIDONIA 2026

      Posidonia brings the whole shipping world to its exhibitors. The international shipping community attends in strength with national pavilions and thousands of visitors.
      01 Sep
      1 Sep 2026 – 4 Sep 2026

      SMM 2026 (Shipbuilding, Machinery and Marine Technology trade fair)

      When it comes to meeting up with all the leading protagonists of the global maritime industry, there’s no place like SMM, one of the leading international maritime trade fairs. 
      16 Mar
      16 Mar 2027, 09:00 – 18 Mar 2027, 17:00

      Sea Asia 2027

      SMI will once again organise the UK Group Pavilion at Sea Asia in its role as the official Country Pavilion organiser. The event will return, bigger and bolder on 16-18th March 2027. To register...
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