Norled opts for Ballard fuel cell for first hydrogen ferry

The Ballard modules will be designed and manufactured at Ballard’s dedicated new marine fuel cell production facility in Hobro, Denmark, which will be opened later this year. The Marine Centre of Excellence will have an annual production capacity of over 15 MW.

Ballard is currently planning to launch its new FCgen®-LCS fuel cell stack and next-generation heavy duty power module later in 2019. Ballard’s fuel cell module development work is designed to meet European marine certification requirements.

The Administration Director of Norwegian Public Roads, Terje Moe Gustavsen said, “Hydrogen will be the last piece in order to get zero-emissions in the ferry sector. Hydrogen is the solution where electric operation alone is not possible.”

Jesper Themsen, President and CEO of Ballard Power Systems Europe A/S noted, “Norway’s government has demonstrated leadership by enforcing the phasing in of low and zero-emission solutions in its marine industry by 2030, including the introduction of requirements for zero-emission tourist ships and ferries in its world heritage fjords by no later than 2026. For many of the 100 high speed ferries operating on routes in Norway, however, battery powered propulsion is not practical due to the associated weight and long recharging time required. Therefore, we believe hydrogen fuel cell systems offer ferry operators a viable zero-emission propulsion pathway.”