Fuel Cell Marine Transportation Updates
Connor Dolan
by Mark Luth
In recent “In Transitions” updates , we have covered the many ways that fuel cells are being deployed on roads. Today, we will look at the ways that hydrogen and fuel cells are being deployed for testing and use across the marine sector. Much has happened since we last reviewed this topic in December 2020. Fuel cells offer a clean power solution to propel a ship. By utilizing hydrogen, shipping companies can reduce the need for heavy fossil fuel consumption and maintain the existing size of ships required to transport global goods.
Individual Tests
In February 2021, FCHEA member Cummins announced that its fuel cells would be integrated into the “Sea Change”, a 70-foot zero-emissions ferry being constructed and tested in California. Capable of speeds up to 22 knots and carrying 75 passengers, the ferry will be the first commercially used in North America when sea tests are completed.
A rendering of the Sea Change zero-emissions ferry. (Source: Cummins)
In July 2021, FCHEA member Bloom Energy received initial approval for its design of an engineless liquefied natural gas carrier that would be powered by fuel cells. Working in partnership with Samsung Heavy Industries, a major Korean shipbuilding company, Bloom’s design was approved by the American Bureau of Shipping, with a final approval expected in 2022, and testing will begin in the near future, with full-scale launches on the horizon. In addition to commercial shipping, Bloom Energy announced in December 2021 that the cruise ship MSC World Europa, currently under construction, would utilize solid oxide fuel cells to provide auxiliary power to the vessel, reducing air and noise pollution along with decarbonizing cruise operations.
FCHEA member Ballard Power Systems provided the fuel cell modules powering a new push boat in Berlin, Germany. Launched in December 2021 in Berlin’s Westhafen, the ELEKTRA will undergo rigorous testing throughout 2022 and 2023, entering regular commercial service in 2024.
Air Liquide, another FCHEA member, announced a partnership with sustainable shipbuilder Future Proof Shipping to provide carbon-free hydrogen and storage. The hydrogen will be used to power the FPS Maas, an inland barge that will be used to move cargo between Belgium and the Netherlands. Further barges are planned for operation throughout the Rhine River valley, aiming to decarbonize the region’s shipping with the support of the Dutch government.
Global Partnerships
Norway has led globally in support for marine transportation fuel cell usage. FCHEA member PowerCell announced in March 2021 that it would be providing a 185 kilowatt fuel cell module to Norwegian system integration company Prototech. This module will be used for testing multiple possible marine power solutions, aiming to remove emissions from Norwegian fleets in the near term.
FCHEA Member Hexagon Purus revealed in June that it would create a subsidiary focused on adapting its existing technology to maritime uses, with an initial focus on Norway, expanding its existing projects in the country. The country aims to have the UNESCO World Heritage Fjords established as an emissions-free zone at sea by 2026.
Hexagon Purus joined the Norwegian ZeroCoaster hydrogen cargo ship project in October 2021, providing hydrogen storage to the prototype vessel. Hexagon will be working with major Norwegian shipbuilder Vard, jointly developing alternative power methods for vessels intended to work along the shore, including up to 450 cargo ships needed to lower emissions in the North Sea region.
An illustration of the ZeroCoaster vessel. (Source: Hexagon Purus)
Around the world from Norway, many of the world’s largest ships are built in South Korea, where major companies are looking to deploy fuel cells to reduce emissions. FCHEA member Hyundai Motor partnered with shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries and the Korean Register, a classification body, in July 2021, with the aim of adapting Hyundai Motor’s automotive fuel cell designs for marine use. The initial small-size prototype vessels are planned to launch for testing in the second half of 2022, followed by medium and large vessels. This partnership adds to Hyundai Heavy Industries partnership with Doosan Fuel Cell announced in March 2021 to jointly develop solid oxide fuel cells capable of being used across a range of ship classifications. The companies intend the first fuel cells from this partnership to be operating by 2024.
Hydrogen is critical in the push to decarbonize many difficult sectors, including marine transportation. These announcements and tests highlight that leading companies throughout the industry are looking to implement fuel cell-powered vessels ranging from local cargo transport and ferry operations to some of the world’s largest ships.