Fuel Cells Go Cruising

ABB will deliver its first fuel cell system for Royal Caribbean cruise lines. The system will be placed onboard a Royal Caribbean International vessel and will provide an energy source for a luxury cruise ship.

“This pilot installation demonstrates, that fuel cell technology is now firmly in sight of the cruise industry,” said Juha Koskela, managing director, ABB Marine & Ports.

The pilot installation, including control, converter and transformer technology from ABB, will generate 100 kW of energy, and has been fully developed, marinized, assembled and tested by ABB Marine & Ports. ABB selected an FCvelocity proton exchange membrane (PEM) pure hydrogen fuel cell engine from Ballard Power Systems for its pilot system.

“At ABB, we believe that the next generations of vessels will be electric, digital and connected. Fuel cell technology matches exactly that,” said Koskela. “Fuel cells have significantly higher efficiency and allow energy to be concentrated more densely. If you use renewables to produce the hydrogen the entire energy chain is clean and truly emission free.”

“Our goal is to take the smoke out of the smokestacks, said Harri Kulovaara, executive vice president, Maritime and Newbuilding, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “We are dedicated to innovation, continuous improvement, and environmental responsibility, and using fuel cell technology gives us the opportunity to deliver against all three of these pillars.”

The debut installation anticipates RCL’s commitment to include emissions-free fuel cell technology as part of the powering for its forthcoming Icon-class ships.

“Last year was the first time that mobile power from fuel cells exceeded stationary installations, according to The Fuel Cell Industry Review 2016. The maritime industry is quickly recognizing the potential of a technology that delivers emissions-free simplicity, maintainability and efficiency,” said ABB.

By Bo Svensson