Due to the long distances traveled, and 24/7 operations, the maritime shipping industry is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. As the industry seeks to decrease emissions, many companies are exploring the potential hydrogen holds to power ships and other marine vessels. Keep reading to learn about two recent initiatives launched by Future Proof Shipping and Corvus Energy.
Future Proof Shipping
Dutch company Future Proof Shipping (FPS) recently announced plans to convert a diesel-powered inland container ship to hydrogen power. This will be the second ship FPS has converted to hydrogen. FPS will remove the current internal combustion engine from the ship and replace it with a hydrogen-powered propulsion system that utilizes fuel cells, hydrogen storage, battery packs, and an electric drivetrain. This transition will reduce the ship’s carbon emissions and provide an opportunity to demonstrate hydrogen’s ability to serve as a viable fuel for maritime applications.
Corvus Energy
At this year’s Nor-Shipping trade fair, Corvus Energy announced the development of a fuel cell suitable for marine use. The Corvus Pelican Fuel Cell System uses Toyota fuel cell technology with the addition of the safety level needed for marine vessels. This allows the fuel cells to be installed anywhere in the ship. When asked about the new fuel cell, Geir Bjørkeli, CEO of Corvus Energy, stated, “Our mission is to power a clean future, and through the years, we have been pioneers on a lot of different vessel types. However, batteries cannot take us all the way. If you want to sail zero-emission, you will need to bring clean energy in a different format. We strongly believe hydrogen is the natural choice for shorter and medium-distance routes as this is the most energy-efficient way.”
These developments in the maritime shipping industry demonstrate the high level of interest in pursuing hydrogen fuel as a zero-emissions alternative to diesel and other fossil fuels. We’re excited by the potential hydrogen has to revolutionize the shipping industry and make a significant impact in reducing global carbon emissions in the coming years.
Sources:
https://www.h2-view.com/story/future-proof-shipping-to-convert-second-diesel-inland-container-ship-to-hydrogen/
https://splash247.com/toyota-backed-marine-fuel-cell-launches/
