Fuel cell developments

Technology group ABB says it is to provide complete power, propulsion and automation systems for two newbuild short-sea container ships f Netherlands-based Samskip Group.

ABB is not saying how much the order, booked in the second quarter of 2023, is worth.

Built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd, the largest shipbuilding and maintenance facility in India, the 135-metre ships are due for delivery in Q3 and Q4 of 2025, respectively. Both vessels will be operating between Oslo Fjord and Rotterdam, a distance of approximately 700 nautical miles.

In addition to the integration of hydrogen fuel cells, ABB’s package includes the new, compact version of ABB Onboard DC Grid power distribution system that will ensure the optimal use of energy on board. The vessels will also feature ABB’s energy storage solution control, with the industry-leading automation technology, ABB Ability System 800xA, ensuring seamless operation of onboard equipment.  ABB Ability Remote Diagnostic Systems will provide 24/7 remote support to optimise safety and performance.

ABB says: “Fuel cells turn the chemical energy from hydrogen into electricity through an electrochemical reaction. With the use of renewables to produce the hydrogen, the entire energy chain will be clean. Hydrogen fuel cell technology is considered as one of the most promising solutions to support the shipping industry’s decarbonisation agenda, with the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy efficiency.”

Samskip’s vessels will each be powered by a 3.2 MW hydrogen fuel cell , with diesel generators installed for back-up. The logistics group, which aims to achieve net-zero by 2040, anticipates that each vessel will be able to avoid around 25,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions a year when powered by fuel cells and by using green shore power at the port of call. According to ABB they are expected to perform at the same level as Samskip’s conventional vessels.