Tag Archives: prototype

High-capacity hydrogen fuel cell project moves towards trials

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Illustration of hydrogen propulsion systems with integrated LH2 tank and fuel cells (photo: Havyar)

Illustration of hydrogen propulsion systems with integrated LH2 tank and fuel cells (photo: Havyar)

A Norwegian-funded project aimed at developing ‘the biggest of it’s kind’ hydrogen propulsion system for large maritime vessels is moving closer to testing a prototype system


Norwegian shipbuilder Havyard, which won an Nkr104M (US$11.4M) technology development grant from the Norwegian Government in late 2018, has signed an agreement with separate suppliers for tanks and fuel cells for its prototype hydrogen system.

Havyard Group said its companies would work with cryogenic equipment supplier Linde Engineering and fuel cell technology developer PowerCell to design the hydrogen system, formally entering the approval phase in the project’s certification process.

Havyard said the tank design was key to the project ultimately gaining approval.

“We believe they are the right partner for finding solutions that will ensure safe storage and control barriers for cryogenic hydrogen on board ships,” Havyard said in a statement. “The regulations for these solutions have not yet been developed, and we are pleased to have Linde on board when entering the approval process, which we expect to be very challenging.”

PowerCell, which will deliver hydrogen fuel cells for the project, has a core fuel cell technology the company has developed for use in the automotive industry.

Havyard Group Free CO2ast project manager Kristian Osnes said the fuel cells have similarities with the battery technology that NES already worked with in a number of ferry projects.

Havyard companies are working with Sintef and Prototech research institutions on designing the hydrogen fuel cell system which will be installed on one of four cruise ferries under construction for Norwegian coastal ferry operator Havila Kystruten.

The vessels are scheduled to start sailing in January 2021, and Havila Kystruten’s contracts with the Norwegian Government have a fixed duration of 10 years.

Havyard’s agreement is part of the Pilot-E project, a government-financed initiative for Norwegian business and industry established by the Research Council of Norway, Innovation Norway and Enova.

STX France reveals newly-christened MSC Meraviglia’s ‘advanced’ propulsion

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Exclusive: STX France reveals newly-christened <i>MSC Meraviglia</i>’s ‘advanced’ propulsion
MSC Cruises’ MSC Meraviglia, built by STX France, has been christened

MSC Cruises’ 171,598gt MSC Meraviglia has been christened at Le Havre, France. As well as being the largest ship belonging to a European shipowner, it has an advanced, “very ambitious” propulsion plant and is the first of MSC Cruises’ fleet to debut digital innovation programme ‘MSC For Me’.

STX France vice president of projects Stéphane Cordier told PST: “From a building efficiency standpoint, the construction of this prototype was extremely smooth; the overall design and architecture of ship developed very efficiently and according to schedule.”

One of the main standout features is MSC For Me, which will be rolled out across the fleet and debuts on MSC Meraviglia.

MSC Meraviglia will be powered by an all-electrical plant consisting of four 12-cylinder diesel engines. Mr Cordier said this arrangement was “very ambitious”. Usually ships of this size have five or six engines.

Singling out the benefits of MSC Meraviglia’s engine arrangement, he said: “The limited number of machines allows them to run at higher power, contributes to the general efficiency and is a more compact arrangement.”

“We have an ambitious vision for the future and MSC Meraviglia marks the start of the second phase of growth for our company,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises’ executive chairman in a statement. “For this reason, this evening is an extremely proud moment for all of us at MSC Cruises as we see the first of our next-generation ships being named.”

“The new ships that we are building — between 2017 and 2020 alone, we will receive six new ships — are purpose-built, featuring innovation in both product and design, as well as the very latest-cutting edge marine and consumer-facing technology to create unforgettable holiday experiences at sea for guests of all ages. MSC Meraviglia is the first to make this vision come to life, as it sets a new standard for cruise ships as a destination in itself.”