Fuel cell systems for ships

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ABB’s fuel cell solution is a modular power supply system developed for marine use. The system is based on the hydrogen proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells.  The fuel cell technology is applicable to high and low voltage, as well as AC and DC power systems, and can be used in combination with batteries or engines.

The system can be fully hydrogen-electric or integrated as part of a hybrid power system.

With the use of renewables to produce the hydrogen, the entire energy chain can be clean.

 

Sustainable vessel


Hydrogen fuel cells emit only water and oxygen, supporting sustainable vessel operations. Fuel cell power plant extends the vessel's running hours in zero-emission mode, and can be combined with batteries and shore charging. Fuel cells are highly recyclable.   

Charter and port access

Keep your charter options open with a fuel-cell powered vessel capable of complying with regulations in areas such as fjords and zero-emission ports.

Lower maintenance costs

Minimum moving parts limit maintenance needs while ensuring optimum lifetime and performance.  

Highlights

Press release

ABB to power Samskip’s new hydrogen-fueled container vessels

ABB has secured a complete power, propulsion and automation systems order for Samskip Group’s hydrogen-powered container vessels

Generations: Technical insight

Introducing the FLAGSHIPS Zulu vessel – Paving the way for hydrogen-powered operations on inland waterways

Hydrogen-related technologies have developed significantly during the past years and are now becoming ready for piloting also in waterborne applications.

Generations: Technical insight

Modeling and HIL simulation of a fuel cell-fed hybrid power and propulsion system

Environmentally driven regulations have had a significant impact on shipping in recent years. This paper describes a DC-grid, fuel-cell powered hybrid shipboard power system using an average modeling method. 

Generations: Technical insight

Hybrid batteries and fuel cells-based vessel power trains: System integration

Maritime transportation contributes nearly three percent of annual carbon-dioxide emissions, and this is predicted to increase to 17 percent by 2050 if no changes are adapted.

Group press release

ABB and Ballard reach milestone toward fuel cell-powered marine transport

ABB and Ballard Power Systems (Ballard) join forces in an industry-first partnership to develop high-power fuel cell concept capable of generating 3 megawatts (4,000 HP) of electrical power. Approval in Principle (AiP) received from leading classification society DNV.
Press release

ABB to become technology partner for world’s first methanol-hydrogen fuel cell towboat

ABB and industry partners to develop Hydrogen One, an ultra-low emission long-range towboat able to run for multiple days between fueling.
Generations: Business insight

The future of hydrogen energy – how does Europe fit into the mix?

Hydrogen is gaining momentum in the global energy transition, but experts agree there is still work to do before technology and legislation line up to provide the necessary support to a global green shift – in Europe and beyond.

Generations: Technical Insight

Energy sources and carriers: pathways to compliance


This infographic presents an overview of the energy sources, carriers and converters that will help the maritime industry achieve emissions goals, both current and future.

Generations - Business Insight

Hydrogen fuel cells: driving sustainable mobility on the Moon and beyond

Fuel cells have emerged as the best mobility solution to enable deep exploration of the surface of the Moon, and eventually Mars. ABB spoke to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) about its pioneering project, in tandem with automotive giant Toyota.

Group release

ABB brings fuel cell technology a step closer to powering large ships

ABB signs Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Hydrogène de France to jointly manufacture megawatt-scale fuel cell systems capable of powering ocean-going vessels

Web story

ABB scales up fuel cells for shipping’s greener future

Progress on developing the marine fuel cell as an energy source for ships sees this sustainable technology leap toward wider commercial application

Press release

ABB to enable world’s first hydrogen-powered river vessel

ABB will provide a power and propulsion solution for a newbuild vessel operating along the Rhône river in France to run entirely on hydrogen fuel cells

How do fuel cells work?

Fuel cells generate energy through an electrochemical reaction. There's no combustion involved, as the fuel cell converts fuel directly to electricity and heat. There are several fuel cell technologies available. One of the most promising zero-emission technologies is the Proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). The PEM fuel cell converts the chemical energy from hydrogen into electricity through an electro chemical reaction with oxygen, emitting only clean water and heat.

Fuel cells have higher efficiency than combustion engines, and the technology allows energy to be concentrated more densely than in petroleum fuels. If renewables are used to produce the hydrogen fuel, the entire energy chain will be clean, providing a true zero-emission fuel.

Learn more about the fuel cell potential for ships, including large ocean-going vessels

Watch our fuel call TechTalks series

ABB TechTalks: Fuel cells for ships – scaling up for wider commercial application

Featuring Ballard Power Systems and ABB Marine & Ports

THIS 1st WEBINAR COVERS:

  • Fuel cell technology for ships – from small to large vessels
  • Market drivers
  • Fuel cell application for various vessel types
  • From land-based competence to the high seas
  • Where are we now: fuel cell projects in shipping
  • How fuel cells compare to other low-carbon solutions for ships

ABB TechTalks: Hydrogen economy - the macro view

Featuring McKinsey & Company, Hydrogen Europe, Ballard Power Systems and ABB Marine & Ports

THIS 2nd WEBINAR COVERS:

  • Current status and expected pace of development of the hydrogen economy
  • What needs to be in place for hydrogen to assert its position as an important energy carrier
  • Hydrogen in the marine industry: fuel comparison, supply chains and differences of application for various vessel types
  • Q&A session

ABB TechTalks: Hydrogen - fueling the change

Featuring Chart Industries, Hexagon, Hyon, Ballard Power Systems and ABB Marine & Ports

THIS 3rd WEBINAR COVERS:

  • Liquid and compressed hydrogen storage on board ships
  • Bunkering systems for hydrogen
  • Factors to consider when designing hydrogen-powered vessels
  • Safety philosophy
  • Q&A session

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