In order to create hydrogen-powered ships and port applications for the European market, renewable energy startup e1 Marine has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with naval design and engineering experts NAVTEK.
As previously stated, as per the terms of the MoU, e1 Marine will apply PEM fuel cell power solutions and methanol-to-hydrogen generator technology to marine applications chosen by NAVTEK.
The project will initially focus on creating a 120–160 meter hydrogen-powered car carrier design that needs 8–10 M.W. of propulsion power, before switching to a hybrid tugboat driven by methanol fuel cells.
As part of the arrangement, NAVTEK will be in charge of designing the electrical propulsion system as well as the naval architecture and overall vessel design.
Additionally, the company will oversee ship assembly and construction as well as the integration of the power system and controls.
However, e1 Marine will give the vessels access to its methanol-to-hydrogen reformers and offer best practices for system integration.
The system, according to e1 Marine, emits no NOx, SOx, or particulates, and it emits less CO2 than a diesel generator. For all PEMFC applications, the hydrogen produced by the methanol-to-hydrogen generator also satisfies the purity requirements of ISO14687 (2019).
The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Maritime Administrator granted Approval in Principle (AiP) for marine applications to e1 Marine’s methanol-to-hydrogen generator in August of this year.
The AiP follows one from Lloyd’s Register in May 2022 and covers applications for any type of vessel. According to e1 Marine, the approval offers more proof that the technology has the potential to play a significant role in the creation and supply of low-carbon energy to global maritime markets.
