Fuel cell technology introduces ultra clean ships
Fuel cell technology, estimated to be up to 50% more efficient than today’s diesel engines, will transform the economics and environmental impact of commercial shipping, according to the DNV-led joint industry project FellowSHIP.
The project recently concluded the first stage of its breakthrough scientific research on fuel cell technology on ships.
“We aim to develop and demonstrate complete integrated hybrid fuel cell systems in ships, and to qualify that technology for future use. Results from the initial research phase conclude that fuel cell technology can be applied in commercial shipping in the near future. On this basis, a full-scale demonstrator of an auxiliary power plant is planned for 2008,” says DNV’s Tomas Tronstad.
The only emissions of fuel cells is heat and water. If fuelled by carbon-containing fuels such as natural gas, the exhaust will contain CO2, but reduced by up to 50% compared to diesel engines run on marine bunker fuel. Fuel cell technology is inherently silent and vibration-free. This increases passenger comfort and improves the working environment for the crew.
日付: 18 December 2006
