10 november 2025

JERA Nex bp opens Ostend HRS to power cleaner maritime operations for offshore wind

JERA Nex bp, a global offshore wind company, opened a new hydrogen bunkering facility in the Port of Ostend on Friday November 7th. To mark the full commissioning of the Hydrogen Refuelling Station (HRS), JERA Nex bp welcomed guests from across industry, academia and local government to an opening ceremony and hosted around 100 children from local schools to visit the station and take part in workshops on wind energy.

The Ostend Hydrogen Refuelling Station seeks to fill a critical gap in the flow of green hydrogen from production to maritime users, acting as a proof of concept of what is possible in decarbonising offshore wind at sea.

Hydrocat 48
During its demonstration phase in 2025, the station in Ostend will initially serve one hydrogen-powered Crew Transfer Vessel, "the Hydrocat 48", owned and operated by Windcat, though has the capacity to refuel several vessels per day.

ISHY project
The Hydrogen Refuelling Station (HRS) was developed by JERA Nex bp under the EU-funded ISHY (Implementation of Ship Hybridisation) programme, which focuses on the development and validation of hybrid and hydrogen technologies in shipping and ports. The ISHY programme is part of the EU’s Interreg 2 Seas initiative, which finances transnational projects in climate adaptation and low carbon technologies and is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund. WaterstofNet was partner in the ISHY project.

WaterstofNet attended the event with colleague Tom Verlinden (Project Director RH2INE).

Climate-neutral shipping
By demonstrating the viability of fuelling vessels with green hydrogen, ISHY aims to significantly reduce emissions and promote climate-neutral shipping in Europe.

JERA Nex bp led the development of and demonstration activities for the Hydrogen Refuelling Station in collaboration with over ten partners — including industrial stakeholders and research institutions — and with coordination support from the Port of Ostend. Haskel served as the main contractor, leading the construction of the project. The green hydrogen currently used in the project is produced from renewable electricity in France and Germany, supplied by Lhyfe.
In 2023 JERA Nex bp acquired 100% of the shares of Parkwind NV, a leading offshore wind power operator in Belgium (and a former subsidiary of Colruyt Group).

“Research and innovation are at the heart of how we approach the full life cycle of offshore wind projects,” said Kristof Verlinden, Head of Global O&M, JERA Nex bp. “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.”

“With this hydrogen station, the Port of Ostend reinforces its ambition to lead the way in the decarbonisation of the maritime sector. By embracing innovative technologies and strong partnerships with international players such as JERA Nex bp, we’re building a future-ready port. One that unites energy, innovation, and sustainability.” said Charlotte Verkeyn, First Alderman of the City of Ostend.

More information : www.jnbp.com