Ballard Power Systems received Europe’s industry first Type Approval by DNV, for its marine fuel cell module FCwaveTM.
The Type Approval marks an important step to including fuel cells as part of zero-emission solutions for the marine industry.
According to Søren Østergaard Hansen, General Manager, Marine, Ballard Power Systems Europe A/S, the new classification of FCwaveTM has removed a significant roadblock in helping the marine industry deploy zero-emission technologies and meet global emission reduction targets.
The Type Approval from DNV is highly important in building market confidence in hydrogen fuel cells and validates that FCwaveTM is designed, tested and prepared for installation
The Type Approved FCwaveTM module now enables the company to deliver the first deployment-ready fuel cell solution, capable of helping the marine sector take the next steps in implementing zero-emission operations.
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FCwaveTM can support the energy needs of various vessel types as well as onshore power. The scalable 200kW power module offers a plug-and-play replacement for conventional diesel engines.
Recently, Bureau Veritas released a new rule note (NR 547) on fuel cell power systems on board ships. The rule note covers safety requirements for ships using any type of fuel cell technology, providing rules for the arrangement and installation of fuel cell power systems and the delivery of electrical energy.
Among the requirements outlined by NR 547, maritime stakeholders developing and using fuel cells must carefully assess the risks associated with their design, from construction to installation and operation.
Shipyards and equipment manufacturers have to meet specific safety requirements to earn certification for fuel cell systems. Once fuel cells are integrated onboard, ship operators must safeguard crew and ensure proper handling of fuel cell equipment. An extensive range of risk assessments are required for the fuel cell additional service feature to be granted. These assessments include a Hazard Identification (HAZID) study of fuel cell spaces, a Hazard and Operability analysis (HAZOP) study of the fuel cell power system, and a Failure Mode and Effect Critical Analysis (FMECA) of the fuel cell power installation (if used for essential services).
