Ballard Launches Fuel Cell Module to Power Ships

Ballard Power Systems has launched what it says is the fuel cell industry's first module designed for primary propulsion power in marine vessels. 

Ballard's says its FCwave fuel cell product is a 200-kilowatt (kW) modular unit that can be scaled in series up to the multi-megawatt (MW) power level.

The FCwave product provides primary propulsion power for marine vessels – such as passenger and car ferries, river push boats, and fishing boats – as well as stationary electrical power to support hotel and auxiliary loads on cruise ships and other vessels while docked at port (also known as 'cold ironing'), the company said.

Rob Campbell, Ballard Chief Commercial Officer said, "Ballard is focused on Heavy- and Medium-Duty Motive applications, particularly where requirements include heavy payload, extended range, and rapid refueling. This is a sweet spot for our fuel cell value proposition, which is backed up by more than 50 million kilometers of operational experience in thousands of vehicles. These same requirements underpin use cases in the maritime industry, resulting in a significant addressable market opportunity that can be effectively addressed by our new FCwave product. Global efforts to decarbonize include commercial maritime activities, where Ballard intends to build on our leading position in zero-emission fuel cell solutions."

Jesper Themsen, CEO of Ballard Power Systems Europe A/S noted, "The United Nations International Maritime Organization, or IMO, has set aggressive targets for reduction of CO2 emissions in the marine sector, including 50% lower emissions by 2050. At Ballard we have recognized this important market opportunity, launching a Marine Center of Excellence at our Hobro, Denmark facility this year. Our Marine Center of Excellence will focus on engineering, manufacturing and servicing the developing marine market with our FCwave product."