The new class of ship, known as Project Evolution, will operate using a trio of different power sources which includes a hydrogen fuel cell, battery technology and dual fuel engines using liquified natural gas (LNG).
The result is a cruise ship that is free of local emissions when in port.
Read more: MSC Group, Fincatieri and Snam to develop world’s first oceangoing hydrogen cruise ship
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The fuel cell system, featuring hydrogen, will supplement the main power supply and carry the ship’s total hotel load, expected to be up to 4MW, with the company stating that this is the first large-scale fuel cell installation at sea in the cruise industry.
Richard Fain, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, said, “Silversea’s newest ship class is a significant leap forward in our commitment to sustainable ship design and our journey to reduce our environmental footprint.
“We first announced our fuel cell ambitions several years ago. Through dedication and perseverance, we are now proud to introduce the first ship with large-scale fuel cell technology capable of achieving emission-free port operations.
“Incorporating fuel cells into our ships now is one example of how Royal Caribbean Group is preparing to use new technologies as we move to a non-carbon-based future.
“This pioneering approach builds on our spirit of innovation.”
Hydrogen set to make a big splash in the US shipping industry
Hydrogen holds substantial promise in a range of applications but perhaps the most significant of them all is in shipping. Hydrogen, and derivatives such as ammonia and methanol, could be a vital cog in decarbonising the maritime industry across the globe including in the US.
The US has several projects that showcase the significant impact hydrogen could have on the maritime sector. Hydrogen-powered passenger ferries, for example, have become a popular use for the clean fuel that’s only emission is water vapour.
H2 View spoke with three players in hydrogen maritime applications: Zero Emissions Industries, which produced the Water-Go-Round hydrogen ferry, now called Sea Change; Hornblower, which supervised the Sea Change build; and e1 Marine, which has developed methanol-to-hydrogen technology for the marine sector.
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