Set to be the ‘first’ ferry in the world to be powered by proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells running on liquid hydrogen, the milestone comes as a significant step toward the introduction of hydrogen-powered maritime operations.
Having received DNV Type Approval Certification, Ballard says its two 200kW FCWave™ fuel cell modules that have been integrated into the vessel meet stringent safety, functional, design, and documentation requirements for the maritime industry.
In February this year (2022), Ballard revealed it would supply the fuel cells for the ferry which has a capacity for up to 299 passengers and 80 cars and is expected to sail on the triangular route between Hjelmeland-Skipavik-Nesvik in Norway.
Read more: Ballard to supply two marine fuel cells to the ‘world’s first’ liquid hydrogen-powered ferry
“The FCwave™ module is a true plug-and-play solution, providing an optimal zero-emission replacement for conventional combustion engines onboard ships,” commented Thomas Therkild Petersen, Marine Product Line Manager at Ballard.
He added, “It is a high-power, adaptable engine in a hybrid electric system that incorporates fuel cells working together with batteries to provide efficient, zero-emission power. With this real-world example, we can help to ‘demystify’ how we reduce the complexity of fuel cell technology integration – which may still be quite new to some ship operators. In a nutshell, this is really zero-emission made easy.”
H2 View’s Hydrogen Mobility Snap Summit – November 29
With the mobility pillar consistently a hot topic for hydrogen markets and arguably the most anticipated and relatable application of the energy transition, H2 View stages a Mobility Snap Summit this November to summarise the progress made in 2022 and look ahead to what’s still to come.
Infrastructure challenges remain. Questions linger over policy and implementation. Many wonder which strand of the transport sector will blaze the trail in hydrogen power first, and likewise which region. There are clear challenges ahead, yet considerable progress made in 2022 and bright spots ahead in 2023 and beyond.
Join H2 View this November for a half-day online event dedicated to unearthing the progress made, dissecting the challenges to be met and establishing the state-of-play across mobility as 2023 approaches. Find more information here.
Premium Subscribers to H2 View have access to this event as part of their subscription package; non-subscribers can secure access to the event with a delegate ticket ($99). All delegates can access the event on-demand from 1st December.