Innovative Hydrogen-Electric System Successfully Operates on Offshore Supply Vessel in Germany
Key Ideas
- eCap Marine's containerised hydrogen-electric system has been successfully operating on the offshore supply vessel Coastal Liberty in the German Wadden Sea.
- The system features Ballard fuel cells and a maritime battery system, showcasing the potential for hydrogen as a green energy source in maritime applications.
- Local production of green hydrogen using offshore wind power and an electrolyser plant adds to the sustainability aspect of the project.
- The scalability of the system highlights its potential for larger commercial ships and further advancements in zero-emission marine transportation.
eCap Marine has achieved success with its containerised hydrogen-electric system on the offshore supply vessel Coastal Liberty in the German Wadden Sea. Following retrofitting and certification in early 2024, the vessel embarked on its journey powered by a hydrogen system featuring Ballard fuel cells and a Lehmann Marine battery system. The green hydrogen used is locally produced through an offshore wind power and electrolyser plant, emphasizing sustainability. The project also involved the development of a 2MW plant in Cuxhaven, Germany, for supplying green hydrogen to zero-emission vessels.
eCap Marine's design includes swappable high-pressure tank systems, ensuring safety and compliance with transport regulations. The ease of switching these tanks has been highlighted as a key feature by the company's Head of Projects, Frederike Engels. Managing Director Lars Ravens emphasized the uniqueness and scalability of the installation, suggesting potential applications for larger commercial ships and longer voyages.
The article also mentions other players in the maritime hydrogen sector, such as TECO 2030 and Honda with Hypermotive, showcasing advancements in hydrogen fuel cell technology for marine vessels. The development of scalable hydrogen fuel cell power systems for existing and new vessels demonstrates a growing trend toward zero-emission operations in the maritime industry. Overall, the article paints a positive picture of the increasing efficiency and potential of hydrogen as a clean energy source in the shipping sector.