H2 at Sea

Hydrogen as a solution

Hydrogen basic chemical reaction is that it reacts with oxygen, which gives energy and water: 2H2 + O2 → Energy + 2H2O.

Compared to traditional combustion, no nitrogen oxides, Sulphur oxides or particles are emitted, only electricity and pure water.
The Fuel Cell technology in ships, (FCSHIP-project) has investigated the application of fuel cells on board ships for both main propulsion and auxiliary applications.

Today several ships application are ongoing.

Source: ec.europa.eu/

Hydrogen marine application and ship Projects in Iceland

Hydrogen Potential as a Marine Fuel

Hydrogen may offer considerable potential as a marine fuel.

The lower fuel mass when compared with existing hydrocarbon fuels can usefully increase payload which in turn benefits the economics of oceanic transport and provides the opportunity to compete in new markets.

Hydrogen does not pollute when spilled, compared to Natural Gas which is 25 times more damaging to the environment than CO2.

The potential to virtually eliminate pollution at the point of use may prove significant at a time when exhaust emissions from shipping are becoming a matter of global concern.

Source: www.researchgate.net

Applications and advantages of Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies in the Marine environment:

  • Storing energy for power on demand – Storing intermittent renewable energy (wind, solar or tidal) as hydrogen fuel for conversion back into electricity as and when required.
  • Baseload power for stationary vessels – Fuel cell technologies can be used to provide considerably quieter and cleaner energy (electrical, cooling and heat) for stationary ships in port. This helps to reduce coastal pollution, reduce noise pollution to the local community, reduce the use of onboard fuel supplies and potentially provide cheaper energy.
  • Reduced dependence on fossil fuels – Fuel cells can either make existing fossil fuels last longer (due to their high efficiency) or utilize renewable low emission fuels like hydrogen.
  • Battery charging – For smaller vessels, fuel cells can be used as more environmentally friendly and quieter battery chargers. Batteries can be charged 24 hrs a day without causing noise disturbances.
  • Primary power – There are already a number of projects around the world where hydrogen powered fuel cells are being used to provide primary power for small recreational vessels. Ideal applications for these vehicles include waterways with high pollution or noise restrictions.
  • Backup power / emergency power – Fuel cells can be used to provide reliable backup power that will last as long as there is available fuel. This can be used to power emergency systems, refrigeration and navigational equipment.

 

Why the need for change?

  • Rising Fuel Prices – With the increasing demand for fossil fuels and the decline in supplies, all industries need to look forward to adopting technologies that reduce and ultimately eliminate their dependence on these fuels.
  • Greenhouse Emission – With increasing concern over the effects of burning fossil fuels on the world climate from governments, industry and individuals, there is an increasing need to change the way we produce and utilize our energy
  • Ocean Pollution – The majority of ocean pollution occurs within a very short distance from the shore and can largely be attributed to vessels using polluting technologies whilst stationary.
  • Waterway Pollution – There are ever increasingly tighter restrictions on pollution caused by fossil fuel engines in inland waterways. Some lakes and rivers have even banned or placed heavy restrictions on motor boats to combat the problem.

Source: www.fuelcellmarkets.com

Hydrogen Maritime application

Currently numerous Hydrogen application in the maritime industry are either under development or in service.

See below some of the numerous example of hydrogen applications in Ships: