- Maritime sector is a large contributor of CO2 emissions mostly due to cruise-boat tourism, freight shipping and ferry transport.
- The Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH2 JU) promotes the research to develop and integrate efficient hydrogen and hydrogen-based fuel cells on ships and boats.
- Two FCH2 JU-funded projects are working on the use of hydrogen fuel cells to replace fossil fuels to power ships.
- This project would help in reducing the CO2 emissions at least to a minimum of 50% by 2050 – the target fixed by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
- The FLAGSHIPS project demonstrates that two commercial vessels, a push boat for river navigation and a passenger and car ferry, could operate on hydrogen fuel cells.
H2 View in its official website, written by Joanna Sampson recently released a news report about Maritime hydrogen which is to be the pillar of progress and next big wave in the industry.
Hydrogen fuel cells for the growing market
About 90% of all freight goods are transported at sea, but most ships burn fossil fuels for power, emitting CO2 and other pollutants.
Ocean freight shipping releases about 3% of global greenhouse gases, which is predicted to grow with the expanding maritime sector.
Target to reduce emissions by 2050
In April 2018, the shipping industry committed to a greenhouse gas (GHG) target of reducing emissions by at least 50% by 2050.
Achieving this target will require new ships, new engines and – above all – a new fuel.
Cleaner Fuel for Artic and Baltic seas
MARANDA project
The MARANDA project started in 2017, aims to develop a 165kW fuel cell powertrain able to provide power to a research vessel’s electrical equipment and its dynamic positioning while in research mode, in the extra cold of the Artic and Baltic seas.
Flagship project
The FLAGSHIPS project demonstrates that two commercial vessels, a push boat for river navigation and a passenger and car ferry, could operate on hydrogen fuel cells.
Testing of hydrogen-storage container
- MARANDA’s researchers are testing the hydrogen-storage container and a fuel cell system and improving it prior to their integration onboard the ship.
- Meanwhile, partners of the recently launched FLAGSHIPS project have integrated safety aspects of hydrogen applications on push boats for inland waterways, and finalised the design of the push boats before starting its building.
- Once completed, both projects will disseminate their results widely to boost the market potential of fuel cells in the maritime sector.
- Hydrogen and hydrogen-based fuels have great potential to meet the same operational requirements (range, refuelling time) as conventional fuels for ships. This is the task for the FCH2 JU in the future.
A large scope for hydrogen fuel cells
Amalgamation of industry players
To keep the market potential of hydrogen fuel cells buoyant in the maritime sector, FCH2 JU brings together fuel cell manufacturers, shipyards and ship operators.
The goal? To demonstrate that hydrogen fuel cell technology can power ships and boats whilst also withstanding the shocks, vibrations and saline environments of maritime use.
Demonstration of hydrogen fuel cell power
The Two FCH JU-funded projects, MARANDA and FLAGSHIPS, will demonstrate hydrogen fuel cell power.
The results will show that hydrogen fuel cells can compete with their fossil fuel equivalents. It also enables the broader market adoption of this technology and cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
About FCH JU
The FCH JU has achieved a lot in the twelve years since its inception, as it strives to make hydrogen and fuel cell products an everyday reality.
Future goals of FCH JU
- To create low-carbon and sustainable solutions,
- enable market entry for new products,
- develop ‘next generation’ products based on previous research and,
- open new markets for European expertise in fuel cell and hydrogen technology.
Working in partnership with the FCH JU, H2 View is celebrating the organisation’s success stories in this ‘Pillars of Progress Series’ and bringing you, our readers, an exclusive article every fortnight.
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Source: H2 View
