MAN Energy experts emphasize retro-fitting of ships to incorporate green fuels; dual-fuel engines taking over new ship orders.
Here’s a post from MAN that includes:
- MAN Energy Solutions focuses on upgrading fleets for future fuels
- Average ship lifetime of 25 years, fleet renewal will take decades
- Need to reach net-zero shipping by 2050
- Collaborates with shipyards worldwide to establish standard processes for dual-fuel conversions
Several developments have been made to incorporate green hydrogen as a fuel in the shipping industry:
- The HySHIP project is developing a hydrogen-powered short-sea cargo ship with a 1-2 MW fuel cell system. The fuel cell system will be integrated into the ship’s existing propulsion system, allowing it to operate on hydrogen.
- The LH2CRAFT project is a European Union-funded initiative aimed at developing innovative technologies for storing and transporting liquid hydrogen (LH2). The project involves the design and testing of advanced LH2 storage systems that can be used on ships. The goal is to improve the efficiency and safety of hydrogen storage, making it more practical for maritime applications.
- Norled, a Norwegian ferry operator, launched the world’s first hydrogen-powered ferry, the MF Hydra, in 2021. The ferry can carry up to 300 passengers and 80 cars, and its hydrogen fuel cells provide power for propulsion and onboard systems.
- The number of pilot projects using hydrogen as a fuel source for large ships tripled from 2019 to 2021. E.g. Norway has mandated that all cruise ships and ferries sailing through its fjords must be emissions-free by 2026, stimulating the development of hydrogen-powered vessels.
- The Port of Rotterdam, Europe’s largest port, is developing a hydrogen hub that will include bunkering facilities for ships. The port aims to have 100 MW of electrolyzer capacity by 2025 to produce green hydrogen for ships and other applications.
- The Port of Antwerp-Bruges in Belgium is developing a hydrogen-powered tugboat called the Hydrotug. The tugboat will be equipped with dual-fuel engines that can run on hydrogen and diesel, allowing it to operate in a zero-emission mode when in port.
Interestingly, we have some other posts related to this content:
Fuel Cell Technology For Electric Vehicles by Furec: Furec’s breakthrough in fuel cell technology for electric vehicles (EVs) is highlighted, showcasing significant enhancements in efficiency and performance. Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Tech: Alternative to Aircraft Jet Engines: This article explores Airbus’s plan to develop a “megawatt-class propulsion system” for passenger aircraft utilizing hydrogen fuel-cell technology, aiming for zero-emission flights by 2035. Bharti Airtel and Bloom Energy Collaborate on Fuel Cell Technology: This post details the collaboration between Bharti Airtel and Bloom Energy to develop fuel cell technology for powering data centers and other energy-intensive operations.
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