In a article By Rhonda Moniz published this week on Marinellink, the sales director of Siemens, Ed Schwarz, noted the flexibility offered by an “skeleton” of electrical distribution which allows ferry operators to add more batteries, to go to new fuel or becoming 100% emissions with fuel cells.
A series of deliveries reported this week show that measures are taken along this path for a range of ships:
The shell of the first green hydrogen ship and electricity was spear by the Klaipėda State Seaport Authority. The oil tanker will accept waste from ships entering the port when it will come into operation later this year. Its power system will consist of two electric motors powered by 2,000 kWh batteries and a hydrogen fuel cell system.
Van demonstrated The operation of the fully electric crane ship Christiaan P, a first for the dredging industry. For the pilot, the PowerHub mobile battery systems of two 870kWh waters each have been used and a Nexus fuel cell and a hydrogen storage container have been installed on board, so that the batteries can be loaded when the power supply shore is not available.
And sea tests are beginning This month for a rigid inflatable boat with fuel cell designed by New Zealand companies Fabrum and King Nearcraft. The boat carries 18 kg of gas hydrogen at 350 bar, provided to a fuel cell, which in turn maintains the load of a battery bank which is used to supply the two electric stern propellers.
The path of implementation of fuel cells will be different for ocean loading ships. A 2024 report By the Møller Minée Mined Mined Maison Møller center, indicated that they are not likely to compete or fully replace internal combustion engines on banks on the high seas in the near future. The problem is their high initial costs, as well as the adjustments that would be necessary in the design of the ship’s machine room and standard operating procedures for crews.
“On the contrary, it seems more likely that different technologies will coexist in the predictable future. The owners of ships could combine fuel batteries and internal combustion engines in order to take advantage of the advantages of each system. In this way, the industry could make the most of the environmental performance of fuel cells while familiar with fuel cells and gradually increasing investments as technology becomes more affordable. »»
Market research published Through market studies, the future in December 2024 indicates that the maritime fuel cells market is ready for substantial growth, driven by technological progress, regulatory support and global sustainability. “The integration of renewable energy sources with fuel cell systems will improve efficiency and adoption, and continuous investment in hydrogen infrastructure will further accelerate market growth.
“While the maritime industry continues to prioritize sustainability, fuel cells should play a crucial role in the future of green expedition.”