Ballard delivers two class approved FCwave™ modules to Norled A/S
by CM Staff
The fuel cell modules will power a liquid hydrogen-powered ferry, the MF Hydra, later this year.
VANCOUVER and HOBRO — Ballard Power Systems says it has delivered two, 200 kilowatt FCwaveTM modules to Norled A/S, one of Norway’s largest ferry and express boat operators.
The fuel cell modules will power a liquid hydrogen-powered ferry, the MF Hydra, later this year.
The company said the MF Hydra will be the first hydrogen-powered ship to be approved by the Norwegian Maritime Directorate, the Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection and Emergency Planning and DNV. The vessel has a capacity of up to 300 passengers and 80 cars and will sail on the triangular route between Hjelmeland-Skipavik-Nesvik in Norway.
“This is a pioneering project. It represents a significant turning point for both Norled A/S and the rest of the maritime sector. We believe that hydrogen will play a significant role in the future of zero-emission ships. The delivery of the fuel cell modules from Ballard enables us to continue our work to deliver and operate the world’s first ferry to be fueled by liquid hydrogen,” said Erlend Hovland, Chief Technology Officer at Norled A/S.
The company said FCwaveTM modules for Norled A/S have been designed, manufactured, and tested at Ballard’s Marine Center of Excellence in Hobro, Denmark. The two FCwaveTM marine fuel cell modules have also been approved by DNV.
According to a statement from Ballard, the approval of the two modules should confirm that the design of FCwaveTM satisfies recognized marine industry quality and safety standards and regulations, as well as international conventions.
“The handover of the FCwaveTM modules to Norled A/S marks an important milestone for Ballard and demonstrates that hydrogen fuel cells are out of the starting blocks and on the way to lead in zero-emission technologies for the marine industry. Through the experience gained in projects with Norled A/S and other marine partners, we have taken a big step towards the goal of receiving the official Type Approval from DNV, which will certify that the FCwaveTM has met the functional, design, documentation and safety requirements necessary for global marine commercialization,” said Søren Østergaard Hansen, General Manager, Marine and Stationary, Ballard Power Systems Europe A/S in a statement.
The Norwegian government has introduced its action plan for green shipping with a goal to reduce emissions from domestic shipping and fishing vessels by 50 per cent by 2030. This also included the introduction of requirements for zero-emission cruise ships and ferries in its World Heritage Fjords no later than 2026.
