Ballard power working on hydrogen-powered ship

Artist’s rendering of Global Energy Ventures’ fuel cell-powered C-H2 Ship, to be powered by a Ballard system as it transports compressed green hydrogen (CNW Group/Ballard Power Systems Inc.)

Ballard Power Systems will be working with Global Energy Ventures (GEV) – a provider of shipping solutions for the transportation of energy to regional markets, headquartered in Australia – for the development of a new fuel cell-powered ship. Called C-H2 Ship, it will transport compressed green hydrogen.

The two companies have has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)for the work.

The power required for a small-scale demonstration of the C-H2 Ship is expected to be under 10 megawatts (MW). At full scale, the C-H2 Ship will have a propulsion power requirement of approximately 26MW, and a containment system for storage of 2,000 tons of compressed green hydrogen.

GEV will be responsible for design approvals, development, financing, and operation of C-H2 Ship, along with integration of the required power system.

Fuel cell system

Ballard will design the fuel cell system for the C-H2 Ship, based on its FCwave technology, and will assist GEV with integration of the fuel cell system into the vessel’s design. The FCwave system will obtain its hydrogen fuel from the compressed green hydrogen stored onboard and transported by the vessel.

Martin Carolan, executive director of Global Energy Ventures said hydrogen fuel cells are now at the forefront of zero-emission technologies for shipping.

“We look forward to working with Ballard on the development of the C-H2 Ship’s fuel cell system and power requirements in line with our development program for a compressed shipping solution for hydrogen marine transport at scale.”

“Hydrogen and fuel cell technology provide a compelling path for the decarbonization of the maritime sector, one of the key medium- and heavy-duty motive applications for which our products offer a particularly strong value proposition,” said Rob Campbell, Ballard’s chief commercial officer.

“Working with Global Energy Ventures will allow us to advance megawatt-scale hydrogen fuel cell and storage integration on board a large marine vessel. We are looking forward to collaborating with GEV on the visionary C-H2 Ship.”