Fuel cells powering large ships just a matter of time?

Photo: ABB

ABB and Hydrogène de France (HDF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly manufacture megawatt-scale fuel cell systems capable of powering ocean-going vessels.

The move builds on an existing partnership with Ballard Power Systems, a provider of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell solutions. ABB and HDF plan to optimize the manufacturing capabilities to produce a megawatt-scale fuel cell power plant for marine vessels. The new system, jointly developed by ABB and Ballard, will be manufactured at HDF’s facility in Bordeaux, France.

"With the ever-increasing demand for solutions that enable sustainable, responsible shipping, we are confident that fuel cells will play an important role in helping the marine industry meet CO2 reduction targets," said Juha Koskela, Managing Director, ABB Marine & Ports, before adding, "Signing the MOU with HDF brings us a step closer to making this technology available for powering ocean-going vessels."

ABB's current zero-emission fuel cell technology is already capable of powering ships sailing short distances, as well as supporting auxiliary energy requirements of larger vessels.