Ballard has successfully completed the installation of two of its DNV type approved 200kW FCwave^TM modules on board Norled’s MF Hydra ferry.

With the first sea trials beginning in December, MF Hydra will, as the first ferry in world, be powered by PEM fuel cells running on liquid hydrogen.       

“The installation of Ballard’s FCwave^TM fuel cells on board MF Hydra, is not only showcasing how efficiently zero-emission operation of ships can be implemented, we are also able to show how user-friendly the actual fuel cell installation setup looks like from an operator’s perspective” says Thomas Therkild Petersen, Ballard’s Product Line Manager for Marine.

The two fuel cell systems are integrated into a clean-lined cabinet with easy access doors. All interfaces are accessible from the front for service and maintenance, and all connections are located below floor level. The DNV Type Approval certification of FCwave^TM confirms that the design meets the stringent safety, functional, design and documentation requirements for the marine industry.

“The FCwave^TM module is a true plug-and-play solution, providing an optimal zero-emission replacement for conventional combustion engines on board ships. It is a high-power, adaptable engine in a hybrid electric system that incorporates fuel cells working together with batteries to provide efficient, zero-emission power. With this real-world example, we can help to “demystify” how we reduce the complexity of fuel cell technology integration – which may still be quite new to some ship operators. In a nutshell, this is really zero-emission made easy” concludes Thomas Therkild Petersen.    

MF hydra has a capacity of up to 299 passengers and 80 cars and will sail on the triangular route between Hjelmeland-Skipavik-Nesvik in Norway.  The first test runs will take place in December 2022.