Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping (MMMCZCS) has published a report that explores fuel cell technologies that are currently being developed for maritime applications.
The assessment shows that fuel cells could play a relevant part in shipping’s decarbonization, should certain boundary conditions be fulfilled. The results suggest that shipowners or operators may be able to affordably improve their assets’ environmental profile by phasing in fuel cells as described in our study.
What is a fuel cell?
A fuel cell generally consists of two electrodes (anode and cathode) and an electrolyte. As fuel and oxygen are supplied to the system, a voltage is triggered by the chemical reaction at the contact between fuel and the anode. This generates direct current (DC) electricity that can be used for different applications, along with an outflow of heat and water.
Key findings:
- Fuel cells could aid in decarbonizing shipping as auxiliary power sources, influenced by ship type, fuel choice, and policies.
- They are more viable with a carbon tax; without it, they struggle to compete with conventional diesel generators (D/G).
- A future carbon price above 200 USD per tonne is plausible, impacting financial feasibility.
- Fuel cells can enhance efficiency and reduce well-to-wake (WTW) greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
From a policy perspective, the report provides guidance on what is possible and needed to enable fuel cells to contribute to shipping’s zero-carbon transition in the coming decades.
MMMCZCS also recommends including fuel cells in decarbonization strategies, further assessing other fuel cell technologies as data becomes available, and encouraging investment in trial projects to test marine fuel cell systems.
