JERA Nex bp sees the full commissioning of Ostend Hydrogen Refuelling Station to power cleaner maritime operations for Offshore Wind

The commissioning demonstrates JERA Nex bp’s commitment to R&D to support innovation and sustainability in Offshore Wind  

Ostend, 7 November: JERA Nex bp, a global offshore wind company, has seen the full commissioning into an operational state of a new hydrogen bunkering facility in the Port of Ostend.  

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.  

“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.

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 — all supporting the global transition toward a sustainable offshore energy ecosystem. 

The project builds on JERA Nex bp’s longstanding commitment to partnerships with industry and the local community in Ostend, where it has developed multiple operational offshore wind farms, with the first, Belwind, being operational since 2010. To mark the full commissioning of the Hydrogen Refuelling Station, JERA Nex bp will today welcome guests from across industry, academia and local government to an opening ceremony and host around 100 children from local schools to visit the station and take part in workshops on wind energy. 

Further information:  

JERA Nex bp press office 

communications@jnbp.com 

About JERA Nex bp 

JERA Nex bp is a purpose-built offshore wind company committed to unlocking the power of offshore wind by developing high-quality, competitive projects. A 50:50 joint venture between JERA Co. and bp, JERA Nex bp is an end-to-end developer, owner and operator with more than fifteen years of experience in operating offshore wind projects. 

Headquartered in London, with offices across Europe, Asia, US and Australia, JERA Nex bp has a portfolio of operational and development projects across nine countries and draws on a rich heritage of pioneering offshore wind in Asia Pacific and the North Sea. 

Find more information here: www.jnbp.com