Fuel cell project to develop emission-free operation

A research project launched in Norway is testing the use of fuel cells on board ocean-going vessels over long distances.The new technology opens for many different types of fuel, including green ammonia and LNG. With this flexibility, vessels can choose fuel according to availability. The main partners in the project are Odfjell, Prototech, Wärtsilä and Lundin Energy Norway.

“Our tests show a CO₂ reduction of as much as 40-45% when using LNG, compared with current solutions. Increased efficiency and reduced fuel consumption also provide significant cost savings, and the ship will be able to sail significantly longer on the same amount of energy. The system will also be ready to operate completely emission-free from the locations where, for instance, ammonia is available for bunkering,” said Bernt Skeie, CEO of Prototech. “The technology also enables direct capture of CO₂, which will be yet another alternative for emission-free operation when logistics for CO₂ management become available,” he added.

“Greater efficiency and increased sustainability are at the core of Wärtsilä’s Smart Marine Ecosystem vision. We see the combustion engine remaining as the stalwart of shipping, because it has the flexibility to operate on future renewable fuels as and when they become compliant, market-ready and available. However, we are keen to support all efforts and innovations aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of shipping, and we see this fuel cell project as being an important contribution to this effort,” said Ingve Sørfonn, technology manager at Wärtsilä Marine Power.

The project’s fuel cell technology will be tested with a 1.2 MW prototype at the Sustainable Energy Catapult Centre in Stord, Norway. The prototype will then be installed on board an Odjfell chemical tanker for sea trials.

The project is being funded by Gassnova, the Norwegian state enterprise for carbon capture and storage, and by the participants.