Hydrogen cells to power cruise ships

Shipowners are under pressure to comply with the reduced sulphur limit regulations coming into force next year. Both the global International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and regional regulations require marine vessels to reduce emissions or eliminate them altogether.

“Existing clean power solutions are focused on reducing emissions. Eliminating emissions altogether demands a paradigm shift,” said Arnoud van de Bree, chief executive of Nedstack.

“We’re proud to be working with Nedstack on what we believe will be a game changer for the cruise industry,” added Ed Torres, chief executive of Marine and O&G, GE’s Power Conversion business.

GE’s variable speed electrical drive system is a crucial part of the system that optimises control and efficiency by directing and managing the electricity produced by the hydrogen fuel cells.

Frequently switching fuel cells on and off reduces their life expectancy. To overcome this, GE’s variable drive, fuel cell system architecture is engineered to limit the on-and-off frequency of the fuel cells when sailing or in port.

So far, Nedstack and GE have designed the concept for a two megawatt hydrogen fuel cell power plant on an expedition vessel. Results have been positive and the ultimate goal is a truly zero-emission system that will enable the world’s first sustainable, clean cruise ships.