Fuel cells help power zero emissions ship

A Scandinavian-based ocean transportation company has developed a new power concept for large carrier ships that utilises fuel cells.

Designed by a team of naval architects, environmental experts and industrial designers, the concept ship has close to zero emissions capability and no ballast water onboard.

“We believe that the shipping industry as a whole must put more effort into developing sustainable deep sea transportation solutions,” said Nils Dyvik, chief executive of Wallenius Wilhelmsen, which developed the ship.

“Wallenius Wilhelmsen is determined to be at the forefront of these efforts as our three year sponsorship of WWF to help protect and preserve marine life on the High Seas demonstrates,” he added.

The new ship, the E/S Orcelle, will emit no emissions into either the air or sea, and uses renewable energy to meet all propulsion and onboard power requirements.

Around half the energy will be produced by fuel cells to generate the electricity which will be used in a pod propulsion systems and to help power the boat’s fins as well as other areas onboard.

Photovoltaic panels are mounted in the vessel’s three sails, while wave power is also harnessed through a series of 12 fins, which double as propulsion units.

Lena Blomqvist, Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s vice president of environment, said: “In our view, renewable energy sources have the potential to provide an abundant supply of energy with minimal environmental impact and at relatively low cost.”

The fuel cells will combine hydrogen and oxygen to generate the electricity, with electricity also being produced to help power all the on-board appliances.

Wallenius Wilhelmsen says it expects the E/S Orcelle project to herald a comprehensive strategy for its energy needs, which it believes may be followed by other leading shipping companies.

Nils Dyvik, the company’s chief executive, told the Telegraph that a ship with some of the Orcelle’s green features could be launched by 2010, but the “complete version” might not be a sea-faring reality until 2025.track

Platinum Today.