The maritime shipping industry keeps the global economy humming, with 90 percent of world trade taking place by sea. This outsized reliance on shipping means the industry can also bring worldwide commerce to a halt, as evidenced by the recent grounding of a cargo ship, the Ever Given, in the Suez Canal that triggered a floating traffic jam of more than 400 ships.
Tim Schweikert, Senior Advisor, Market Development, Marine Solutions
With more than 90,000 ships making up the world’s commercial fleet, carbon emissions from shipping alone account for approximately 3 percent of the world’s CO2. Modernizing one of the world’s oldest forms of trade with cutting-edge, clean energy technology is no small task, but that is exactly what Bloom Energy has set out to do. It is important that marine trade vessels use energy that is not only clean, but also efficient. However, it is not simply a matter of swapping one engine out for another.
Internal combustion engines (ICEs) are the most common form of propulsion and power on large sea vessels. ICEs have traditionally run on heavy fuel oil, an extremely pollutant fuel. While heavy fuel oil is a plentiful resource, it is also one of the dirtiest fuels in the world. Published studies have recognized the impact that burning heavy fuel oil has on the climate, prompting both governments and maritime organizations to set emissions standards in an effort to curb the negative effects. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has established guidelines for all cargo ship operators suggesting that by the year 2050, CO2 emissions from cargo ships should be half what they were in 2008. This has left the marine industry searching for ways to meet this goal.
The Solution is Here
The answer is fuel cells. Fuel cells are a highly efficient form of electricity production that will put us on a path to cleaner fuels, and will help ship owners, builders and partners reach IMO mandates. Bloom Energy’s fuel cells are fuel-flexible, meaning they can run on readily available natural gas, hydrogen, biogas or blends of any of those. And, Bloom Energy’s fuel cell technology has excelled at powering massive loads like stadiums, manufacturers and other large facilities on land. It makes sense that the same technology would be equally effective at sea.
By adopting land-based fuel cells for maritime applications, proposed designs of fuel cell-powered ships would have more than enough power to keep a working vessel, well… working. Natural gas fuel cells significantly reduce CO2 emissions and decrease smog-forming pollutants and particulate matter, like NOx and SOx, by more than 99 percent compared to entrenched power sources.
Maritime Certification
The certification process for marine fuel cells is a rigorous process, requiring that new technologies undergo a variety of operating scenarios to ensure they can withstand the rigors of the weather and use at sea. Classification societies like American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), Lloyd’s Register and DNV-GL expect any new maritime technologies to stand up to the rigors of maritime use. Bloom Energy’s fuel cells are expected to do just that.
Stringent certification standards require rigorous testing in an industry that already has centuries of rules and regulations. New technologies for ships should meet both current regulations and demonstrate alignment to future standards, which is what Bloom Energy is working on this year.
Full Steam Ahead
Bloom Energy has dedicated engineering and product teams readying the fuel cells for use on ships. And, the company has pulled in naval architects and marine engineering firm, Foreship, to collaborate on engineering and market aspects specific to the marine environment. Both teams have an eye for efficiency in their respective arenas, which is exactly what is needed to create solutions that meet the IMO’s mandate.
New technologies such as fuel cells often advance more rapidly than regulations. Given there is not an experience record of new technologies in maritime applications, concerns relative to safety, durability and effectiveness must be addressed. The New Technology Qualification (NTQ) process is designed to address those concerns by providing guidance and recommendations to assure a smooth, low risk adoption of the technology into maritime use. Bloom is currently working on its NTQ, to confirm its technology performs intended functions in accordance with defined performance requirements. Once the NTQ is completed, Bloom Energy plans to continue with the ABS certification process, which ensures that the technology goes through a technical evaluation and study of production compliance.
Rough Waters Call for Rougher Testing
Bloom Energy is actively testing its technology for the marine environment, which differs greatly from fuel cells deployed on land. Ships and their onboard equipment must withstand and continue to operate effectively and safely with the constant motion of the ship and, at times, turbulent seas.
Vibration testing shakes the equipment at defined frequencies and durations, replicating the constant vibrations often felt on vessels. Similarly, tilt testing imitates a range of motions that a ship may encounter navigating rough seas. Pitch, yaw, and roll motions on the tilt platform mimic specified angles and intervals to demonstrate the technology’s readiness for use on water. Tests like these ensure that power generation is uninterrupted in rough sea situations when the crew needs dependable power most.
Following extensive testing on land simulating the ocean environment, Bloom Energy will complete the final testing phase, which is an on-water demonstration expected to begin in 2022.
Making Waves in a Centuries-Old Industry
And, that’s the easy part. Getting new technology aboard ships is not as simple as taking a vessel to a shipyard to be retrofitted. Maritime vessels are built around their power systems, meaning fuel cells must be included at the design phase. Ships being built now likely will not sail for several years.
As a result, marine fuel cells change the future of ship design. No longer encumbered by centralized engine rooms, the modularity, customization, and low-profile footprint benefits of Bloom Energy’s fuel cells give maritime vessels more flexibility in design, which can allow a more efficient hull design, expanded cargo space and enhanced resiliency.
Bloom Energy is making headway into helping shipping organizations meet emissions and efficiency regulations by moving power generation to cleaner alternative fuels, like natural gas and hydrogen. As regulations on maritime emissions become more environmentally focused, Bloom Energy’s fuel cell technology will enable vessels to meet these standards.
Bloom Energy’s innovative technology is breathing new life into a centuries-old industry and placing it squarely at the cutting edge.
#TogetherWeCan #BeTheSolution
Timothy Schweikert serves as senior advisor, market development, marine solutions for Bloom Energy where he is focused on developing fuel cell-powered ships.
Prior to Bloom, Tim spent over 30 years with General Electric, holding a variety of leadership positions spanning aviation, rail transportation, and marine.
Most recently, as president and CEO of GE Marine Solutions, Tim led the development and implementation of innovative solutions across the GE industrial portfolio serving commercial, off-shore, and military marine segments.
Tim’s other leadership positions at GE included president and CEO of GE Sub-Sahara Africa, president and CEO of GE Transportation China and Southeast Asia, general manager of GE Global Locomotive Operations, and he began his career with GE Aviation.
He has a mechanical engineering degree from Marquette University, master’s in industrial engineering from the University of Cincinnati, and graduated from the GE Manufacturing Development Program. Tim lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with his wife and two daughters.
Read the most up to date Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Industry news at FuelCellsWorks
