Ballard wins Type Approval for marine fuel cell module

Ballard Power Systems said its marine fuel cell module FCwave has received Europe’s industry first Type Approval by DNV, one of the world’s leading classification and certification bodies.

Ballard said the Type Approval marks an important step in commercializing fuel cell technology for marine applications and is key to including fuel cells as part of zero-emission solutions for the marine industry. The Type Approval process involves a series of simulations and tests which were carried out at Ballard’s global Marine Center of Excellence in Hobro, Denmark, where the FCwave was developed and manufactured.

Ballard Power Systems said its marine fuel cell module FCwave has received Europe’s industry first Type Approval by DNV, one of the world’s leading classification and certification bodies. (Image: Ballard website)

“The new classification of FCwave has removed a significant roadblock in helping the marine industry deploy zero-emission technologies and meet global emission reduction targets,” said Søren Østergaard Hansen, general manager, Marine, Ballard Power Systems Europe A/S. “The Type Approval from DNV is highly important in building market confidence in hydrogen fuel cells and validates that FCwave is designed, tested and prepared for installation. The Type Approved FCwave module enables us to deliver the first deployment-ready fuel cell solution, capable of helping the marine sector take the next steps in implementing zero-emission operations.”

The International Maritime Organization has set ambitious targets to cut GHG emissions from ships by at least 50% by 2050. The high-power FCwave module is a flexible solution that can support the energy needs of various vessel types as well as onshore power. The scalable 200kW power module offers a plug-and-play replacement for conventional diesel engines. The Type Approval certification confirms the design meets the stringent safety, functional, design and documentation requirements necessary for global marine commercialization.