Ballard, eCap Marine sign 6.4-MW fuel cell order

Ballard Power Systems has announced the signing of a new purchase order to supply 6.4 MW of hydrogen fuel cell engines to emissions-free power provider eCap Marine for deployment on two vessels by Samskip, a multi-modal European operator specializing in short sea, rail, road and barge services.

eCap Marine will integrate Ballard’s FCwave technology into green marine propulsion systems for two of Samskip’s SeaShuttles. (Photo: Ballard Power Systems)

In total, 32 FCwave 200-kW fuel cell engines will be integrated into green marine propulsion systems by eCap Marine to power two SeaShuttle vessels in Samskip’s fleet, contributing to the decarbonization of waterways between Norway and the Netherlands. FCwave is a cabinet-based modular fuel cell system designed to facilitate scalable power output and flexible integration to a variety of marine and stationary power applications.

The order continues a collaboration with the German-based engineering company that began in 2021. eCap Marine previously retrofitted the Coastal Liberty commercial vessel, also powered by Ballard, and will again utilize Ballard technology to equip Samskip’s short-sea container vessels.

“We’re proud to expand our partnership with eCap Marine and Samskip with one of the largest marine fuel cell engine orders in history,” said Marty Neese, CEO, Ballard Power Systems. “Deploying our FCwave modules on these two Samskip vessels provides a critical validation point for the use of proton-exchange membrane fuel cell propulsion for maritime applications.”

“Our continued collaboration with Ballard is central to our mission to decarbonize marine transport. This latest order exemplifies our shared commitment to operational excellence and environmental stewardship,” Lars Ravens, managing director, eCap Marine, stated. “Together, we are delivering a clean propulsion solution that meets the rigorous demands of long-haul marine operations.”

The marine propulsion units are currently being built at Cochin Shipyard in Kochi, India. Delivery of the engines to Samskip will be completed between 2025 and 2026.

Once commissioned, the SeaShuttles will reportedly be among the first decarbonized vessels of their kind using green hydrogen in the world, with each ship expected to achieve around 25,000 tons of CO2 reduction per year.