Fuel Cell and Methanol Reforming system for clean energy on board

Introduction

The maritime sector represents about 13.5% of the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at EU level (Source: EEA, 2020). In order to foster the decarbonisation of fuels in the maritime sector, the IMO fixed a target of a 50% cut of GHG emissions by 2050 and the manufacturing of zero-emission ships by 2100 (100% cut of GHG emissions with 2008 levels considered as baseline).

Decarbonisation Pathway

The path towards decarbonisation of fuels in the maritime sector will also lead to the reduction and/or abatement of pollutants such as:

• CO
• NOX
• SOX
• PM
• BC
• HC

These pollutants are emitted by fossil fuel combustion (mainly HFO, GDO, and LPG), which feed engines for propulsion, generators used as auxiliary power units, and boilers.

Previous Initiatives

The EC has already co-funded projects aiming at the decarbonisation of large ships and commercial cargos that contribute most to GHG emissions, representing a share of about 70%.

Focus on Superyachts and Yachts

The down-scaling application on superyachts (40m+) and yachts (< 40 m) can be of interest, considering their average operational profile. These vessels spend most of the time (about 82%) anchored or berthed, conditions that do not require the operation of the main engines for propulsion.

Proposed Solution

The installation of a methanol reformer coupled to a PEM fuel cell (mFC system) could represent an interesting solution as an auxiliary power unit for yachts and superyachts. This system would cover the hotel load and sustain slow-speed cruising and manoeuvring operations in ports (the latter if combined with hybrid propulsion).

Project Aim

The aim of the LIFE OCEAN project is to substitute the traditional diesel generators used to cover the hotel loads of a Sanlorenzo superyacht with a 60 kWe mFC system.

Benefits

Along with air pollution mitigation, the project will also abate on-board noise while reducing underwater noise thanks to the elimination of diesel generators. The solution adopted constitutes a zero-carbon technology for the maritime sector, utilizing green methanol, whose large capacity production is growing at both EU and extra-EU levels.