DFDS along with its collaborators applied for a EU Innovation Fund, in order to jointly explore an electricity-powered ferry from a hydrogen fuel cell system, which only emits water.
Namely, DFDS along with ABB, Ballard Power Systems Europe, Hexagon Purus, Lloyd’s Register, KNUD E. HANSEN, Ørsted and Danish Ship Finance joined forces to develop a 100% hydrogen-powered ferry.
Green hydrogen is to be produced by a projected offshore wind energy-powered electrolyser plant in Greater Copenhagen.
The ferry will be powered by electricity from a hydrogen fuel cell system that emits only water and can produce up to 23 MW to propel the ferry, while it is expected to operate for DFDS’ Oslo-Frederikshavn-Copenhagen route.
The largest fuel cell systems today produce only 1-5 MW, and the development of such large-scale fuel cell installations for an electric ferry is a monumental task. We can only succeed in partnership with companies that bring together some of the globe’s finest expertise in design, approval, building, financing and operation of innovative vessels.
…Torben Carlsen, CEO of DFDS, said.
As explained, through their collaboration, partners goal to make these fuel types and technologies commercially viable, which is key to a transition of the industry to climate neutrality.
There are no ferries of this kind in the world today and a high level of uncertainty is therefore involved in the undertaking. However, if the project develops as projected, the ferry could be in full operation on the route, or elsewhere, as early as 2027.
….Torben Carlsen added.
The hydrogen will be produced locally in Greater Copenhagen based on offshore wind, and the project will investigate how to optimally integrate with the local energy system.
Concluding, the ferry named as “Europa Seaways”, is designed for 1.800 passengers and has capacity for 120 trucks or 380 cars.
