JERA Nex bp has commissioned a hydrogen bunkering facility at the Port of Ostend that will refuel vessels serving the offshore wind industry.

The Ostend Hydrogen Refuelling Station will initially serve one hydrogen-powered crew transfer vessel — the Hydrocat 48, owned and operated by Windcat — during its demonstration phase in 2025, though the facility has the capacity to refuel several vessels per day.

The station 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.

JERA Nex bp led the development and demonstration activities for the facility 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.

"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."

Charlotte Verkeyn, First Alderman of the City of Ostend, commented: "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."

As part of its broader R&D strategy, JERA Nex bp is pursuing multiple innovation tracks aimed at improving the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of offshore operations. These include the development of predictive maintenance systems for offshore infrastructure, aquaculture integration, and lightweight materials for maritime transport.

JERA Nex bp is a 50:50 joint venture between JERA Co. and BP, formed to develop, own, and operate offshore wind projects. The company — which is headquartered in London, with offices across Europe, Asia, the US, and Australia — has developed multiple operational offshore wind farms in Ostend, with the first, Belwind, being operational since 2010.