ABB and Ballard receive AiP for hydrogen fuel cell to power ships

Large vessels such as cruise ships that operate near coastal areas can either run entirely on hydrogen based fuel power cells or switch it on when required especially in emission control zones , meanwhile smaller ferries could operate solely on fuel cell power.

PHOTO: The proposed concept high-power fuel cell. ABB

As per the joint strategy to develop alternative emission free technologies, Swedish automation firm ABB and Ballard Power Systems (Ballard) a manufacturer of proton exchange fuel cell started developing high-power fuel cell in 2018. The duo now has received Approval in Principle (AiP) from classification society DNV for their high-power fuel cell concept.

Fuel cells convert chemical energy from hydrogen into electricity by using electrochemical reaction.

The high-power fuel cell concept can generate 3 MW (4000 HP) of electrical power.

As we continue to pave the way toward decarbonizing shipping, we are confident that vessel electrification, including fuel cell technology, will play a pivotal role in helping the marine industry achieve its environmental targets, says ABB marine and port, division president Juha Koskela.

With AiP approved the development of high-power cell can be completed within next couple of years, says ABB