UConn Sets Sail with Hydrogen Fellowship for Greener Shipping
Storrs, Tuesday, 23 September 2025.
UConn’s REACH2 fellowship unites global experts to revolutionise shipping with hydrogen, aiming for lower emissions and sustainable growth in maritime transport.
A New Wave in Maritime Innovation
Today, UConn is making waves with its newly unveiled REACH2 fellowship. The initiative is a bold step towards integrating hydrogen technology into the shipping industry. I find it fascinating how this programme is not just about research; it’s about collaboration across borders. With experts from Croatia, Germany, and the Netherlands, UConn is fostering an international dialogue aimed at reducing emissions in maritime transport [1].
The Fellowship in Action
REACH2 isn’t just a catchy name. It’s a beacon for innovation. During the programme, young engineers from Europe worked on projects that could redefine efficiency in shipping. Picture this: Janik Grafelmann from Germany modelling machine learning to boost HVAC systems onboard. How cool is that? And there’s more. Roko Perinic from Croatia simulated high-temperature fuel cells, while Catrien de Vries from the Netherlands explored compact waste heat recovery systems. It’s like a technological tour de force [1].
Lürssen Collaboration
The fellowship isn’t just an academic exercise. It involves real-world applications with companies like Lürssen, a luxury yacht manufacturer. These students aren’t just learning—they’re applying their knowledge in meaningful ways. It’s exciting to see academia and industry working together, proving that innovation isn’t confined to a lab [1].
Global Impact and Future Outlook
Globally, the shipping industry is on the cusp of transformation. With regulations like the IMO’s Net-Zero Framework and the push towards low-GHG fuels, initiatives like REACH2 are crucial [5]. The fellowship is not just about research but also about setting a precedent for sustainable practices. By 2030, the maritime sector is expected to shift significantly towards low-emission fuels, and efforts like those at UConn are paving the way [5].