In 2023, several industry-first hydrogen-powered vessels take to the water on their maiden journeys, powered by Ballard’s zero-emission fuel cells.
Ballard Power Systems (NASDAQ: BLDP; TSX: BLDP) will demonstrate a production unit of its hydrogen fuel cell module for zero-emission marine applications: FCwave™, at the Nor-Shipping exhibition in Oslo, Lillestrøm, from 6-9 June 2023. Ballard is exhibiting in hall T, stand T01-14.
Designed for – and together with – the marine industry, FCwave™ is a catalyst in accelerating net-zero technology to meet the International Maritime Organization’s ambitious global targets to cut emissions from ships by at least 50% by 2050. The fuel cell module is the first to be awarded Type Approval by DNV (Det Norske Veritas) for marine applications, an industry recognition certifying that FCwave™ meets the stringent safety, functional, design and documentation requirements that are required for global marine commercialization.
Powered by FCwave™, the first vessels to embark on their maiden voyages are Norled’s MF Hydra, the world’s first liquid hydrogen-powered ferry, operating in Norway, FPS Waal, a retrofitted cargo vessel expected in service on the Rhine River in Holland later this year; and Zulu06, the first inland cargo transport vessel, launching on the river Seine in fall 2023.
“Hydrogen fuel cells have already proven their performance in a variety of applications, and now, in close collaboration with the marine industry, fuel cells are also powering vessels and port applications” said Søren Østergaard Hansen, General Manager Marine at Ballard. “Seeing the first sailings taking place this year, is exactly the proof we need to build market confidence in hydrogen fuel cells and encourage more ship operators to deploy zero-emission solutions.
FCwave™ is a true plug-and-play solution, providing an optimal zero-emission replacement for conventional combustion engines onboard ships. It is a high-power, adaptable engine in a hybrid electric system that incorporates fuel cells with batteries to provide efficient, zero-emission power.
On display at Ballard’s stand at Nor-Shipping 2023 are:
- FCwave™- available in 200kW increments, FCwave™ facilitates reliable operation, scalable power output and flexible integration into the vessel. Designed hand-in-hand with the industry to withstand the rigors of the marine environment, FCwave™ is developed, tested, certified and prepared for installation with an uncompromising focus on safety.
- FCgen®-LCS stack – uses Ballard proprietary heavy-duty membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and low-cost durable carbon plates to deliver performance and lower total cost of ownership. It provides stable, long-term performance and power for FCwave™ suitable for different environmental and operating conditions at sea.
“The astute design of the FCwave™ and extensive testing ultimately resulted in Ballard receiving the world’s first DNV Type Approval. Through this certification process and by being part of several marine projects, we now have the experience, a qualified team, and purpose-built facilities in-house that enable us to support future global projects and collaborations” Søren Østergaard Hansen concludes.
About Ballard Power Systems
Ballard Power Systems’ (NASDAQ: BLDP; TSX: BLDP) vision is to deliver fuel cell power for a sustainable planet. Ballard zero-emission PEM fuel cells are enabling electrification of mobility, including buses, commercial trucks, trains, marine vessels, and stationary power. To learn more about Ballard, please visit www.ballard.com.
Media contacts
Betina Holtze, Marketing
Ballard Power Systems Europe
beh@ballardeurope.com
+45 31 67 78 42