Odfjell plans methane-fuelled SOFC retrofit trial on chemical tanker

While the containerised fuel cell solution for the Odfjell trial will operate on natural gas, Alma Clean Power has also been developing fuel cells capable of operating on both ammonia and methanol. Alma Clean Power was awarded Approval in Principle (AiP) by DNV for its 1MW ammonia-fuelled SOFC system design in January 2023.

The demonstration project represents a continuation of Odfjell’s collaboration with Norway-based fuel cell technology developer, Alma Clean Power. As reported by The Motorship in October 2020, the shipowner had announced plans to trial a larger capacity SOFC developed by Prototech, the technology incubator from which Alma Clean Power was spun off, on board one of Odfjell’s newest chemical tankers with erstwhile project partners Wärtsilä and Lundin Energy Norway.

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) are fuel flexible, and can convert fuels like ammonia, LNG, methanol and hydrogen to electricity with a potentially higher energy efficiency than internal combustion engines. 

“We’ve been working [in a] structured [way] and actively with energy-efficiency technologies and decarbonisation for more than a decade, and this project represents another progressive step in energy efficiency-, fuel flexibility and zero emissions capability innovations. We look forward to continuing the collaboration with DNV and Alma Clean Power, and to document the impact this technology can deliver in our common quest to decarbonise deep-sea shipping,” Harald Fotland, CEO of Odfjell said.

“This is an exciting project for DNV to be part of with two very forward-leaning partners. Identifying a suitable risk level and applying DNV’s existing rule framework will be key to managing the risks of the installation. At the same time, the project provides an ample opportunity to learn from the practical application to further improve our rules and guidelines and use this input to facilitate constructive dialogues with the applicable Flag Authorities,” Tuva Flagstad-Andersen, Regional Manager Maritime – North Europe commented.