The development of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) is on the rise. Specifically, ABS has granted Approval in Principle (AIP) to SOFC technology developed by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co., Ltd. (DSME).
Granting of AIP comes after two joint development projects between ABS and DSME, the latest to develop SOFC technology to replace at least one of three diesel generators typically on-board a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC).
ABS is now working with DSME on future research and development areas to be carried out during detailed design and testing of the SOFC technology.
Fuel cells are an important technology in the development of next generation marine propulsion systems and can make a significant contribution to the industry’s decarbonization ambitions
explains Patrick Ryan, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Engineering and Technology.
In addition, Dr. Dong-kyu Choi, DSME Executive Vice President, noted that they have completed the conceptual design, including how to effectively deploy fuel cell systems in a limited space and utilize them safely.
These joint research results will serve as a cornerstone for future design and test evaluation
This is the latest development on the future of SOFC. Namely, an industry group including Alfa Laval, DTU Energy, Haldor Topsoe, Svitzer and the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon, aims to accelerate the development of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology, which can use green fuels to generate electricity.
Swedish technology company Alfa Laval will head the development initiative, with the aim to find scalable solutions for noncarbon fuels for the shipping industry.
Specifically, the project, ‘SOFC4Maritime’, will target utilization of future green fuels – such as ammonia, hydrogen or bio-methane – for power production onboard marine vessels.
This is in line with the IMO target of a 50% reduction of vessel-related greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and as the industry is looking to adopt new fuel types and technologies, in order to achieve the long-term target of decarbonization.
