World Europa Photo By ND44
Bloom Energy fuel cells demonstrated an increase in electrical efficiency on a luxury cruise ship built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique. Bloom and the French shipbuilder announced that they have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on developing future installations for marine vessels.
Bloom, based in San Jose, CA, builds fuel cells at a 700-employee plant near Newark.
The 150kW solid oxide fuel cell platform provided auxiliary power to the ship, the MSC World Europa operated by MSC Cruises, while in port using liquefied natural gas (LNG). The MSC World Europa was docked in Qatar in November and December for the 2022 World Cup.
The Bloom Energy Server demonstrated 60% electrical efficiency while the ship was in port, an improvement over existing high-efficiency power systems. Also reported was a reduction of carbon emissions by 30% with no methane slippage. Lower carbon emissions and higher efficiency will be critical to ship operators while their vessels are docked, a release stated
“Bloom Energy fuel cells have shown their effectiveness in decarbonizing land-based industries,” said Suminder Singh, senior director, marine, for Bloom Energy. “With the deployment by Chantiers de l’Atlantique, we have now proven that they will be effective in decarbonizing shipping, both in port and on the high seas.”
“We are firmly committed to leading the shipbuilding industry in its transition to a more environmentally friendly future,” said Laurent Castaing, general manager, Chantiers de l’Atlantique. “The in-port performance of Bloom Energy’s fuel cells shows that we have charted the right course to making this a reality. We look forward to having Bloom Energy on board for the future.”
Using Bloom fuel cells for hoteling power sharply reduces in-port pollution, a step towards the International Maritime Organization (IMO) goal to reduce shipping’s greenhouse gas emissions by half compared to 2008 levels. Bloom’s platform has the ability to operate on LNG, blended hydrogen, ammonia, and hydrogen. The Energy Server platform has passed safety reviews.
While the MSC installation was geared toward port operations, the fuel cells, which had undergone tilt-table testing, also achieved full power output during the vessel’s maiden voyage between Saint-Nazaire and Qatar while in the Mediterranean Sea.
Further information is available at www.bloomenergy.com/marine/
