Ballard provides fuel cells to Future Proof Shipping for FPS Waal vessel

Ballard Power Systems has been chosen by Future Proof Shipping (FPS) to supply PEM fuel cells for the refit of its second inland cargo vessel, the FPS Waal.

When the project is finished, the ship will run on green hydrogen fuel and produce no pollutants.

Six FCwave modules will be delivered to the 109,8 x 11,40 x 3,53 m FPS Waal as a result of this deal. The vessel will therefore have a 1.2 MW fuel cell capacity. The FCwave leverages tried-and-true technology from Ballard’s heavy-duty module platform to give dependable performance, high power density, and favorable economics as the first DNV type-approved fuel cell module for marine applications.

The conversion is akin to the work done on FPS’s first ship, the FPS Maas, which is scheduled to start using green hydrogen for propulsion by the end of 2022.

Driven innovation

The ship’s internal combustion engine will be removed in order to completely eliminate emissions, and a new zero-emission propulsion system with PEM fuel cells, hydrogen storage, battery packs, and an electric drive train will be installed. Following the renovation, the vessel will have a cargo capacity of 200 TEU and a total installed power of roughly 1200 kW.

To accommodate the greater energy consumption rates on the Rotterdam to Duisburg stretch of the Rhine, the power capacity, size, and design of the propulsion system for the FPS Waal are being optimized.

Several cargo businesses that want to switch a significant portion of their maritime cargo to inland water transportation and are interested in transporting their containers on this route emissions-free have already engaged in conversations with Future Proof Shipping. Funding from the ZEM Ports NS project and the FLAGSHIPS project is used to finance the refurbishment of the FPS Waal.

FPS joined the FLAGSHIPS alliance in order to introduce its second zero-emission container ship to the rivers of Europe. Through the collaboration of important industrial partners, the European innovation initiative seeks to advance zero-emission waterborne transportation.