Innovative Green Hydrogen System Installed on Seagoing Ship
Key Ideas
- The vessel received class certification for a unique green hydrogen system with fuel cells and a battery developed by eCap Marine.
- The system includes two 200-kW Ballard FCwave fuel cells, a maritime battery system, fire extinguishing system, tank modules, and power management system.
- Green hydrogen for the fuel cells is locally produced using offshore wind power, with the electrolyzer designed for potential expansion.
- Benefits of the technology for the crew include reduced vibrations and improved propulsion response on board the seagoing ship.
The vessel recently achieved class certification for a state-of-the-art green hydrogen system installed by eCap Marine in collaboration with Offshore Service Gesellschaft. This innovative system, developed over two years, comprises two 200-kW Ballard FCwave fuel cells, a maritime battery system from Lehmann Marine, a fire extinguishing system, tank modules, a custom power management system, and necessary cooling and safety equipment. Unique to this setup is the local production of green hydrogen for the fuel cells using an electrolyzer hydrogen plant powered by offshore wind energy. The electrolyzer is designed for potential expansion to meet increasing demand. eCap Marine also designed swappable high-pressure tank systems to comply with regulations for transporting units between the vessel and the electrolyzer. Crew benefits from this technology include reduced vibrations and enhanced propulsion response, allowing for more immediate action on the propeller shafts.