Mon 28 Mar 2011, 07:24 GMT

Cruise firm awards fuel cell power contract


Vessel to be propelled by hydrogen fuel cells, wind, solar and a Tier II diesel engine.



Hydrogenics Corporation, a leading developer and manufacturer of hydrogen generation and fuel cell products, has announced that the company has received a contract from Statue Cruises, LLC, a subsidiary of Hornblower Cruises & Events, for the delivery of two HyPM HD 16 fuel cell power modules delivering up to 33 kilowatts of continuous power.

The 600 passenger Hornblower Hybrid [pictured] will be propelled by hydrogen fuel cells in a compound hybrid arrangement along with wind turbines, solar panels and a tier 2 diesel engine for additional energy needs.

When in harbour, vessels typically utilize diesel powered main engines or auxiliary power units emitting large amounts of emissions and noise into the environment.

"Fuel cells emit no emissions and comparatively little noise making them an ideal solution for high profile marine applications. In the case of fleets which return to a common port or base, the economic justification for hydrogen fueling stations can be compelling," Hydrogenics Corporation said in a statement.

“We are proud to be providing our fuel cell products for this high profile application. Delivering our standard fuel cell power modules allows customers to rapidly deploy fuel cells in a wide variety of challenging environments,” said Daryl Wilson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hydrogenics Corporation. In addition to providing fuel cell power modules, we will support Hornblower’s US Coast Guard certification process by utilizing our vast experience working with many of the leading certification bodies throughout the world,” added Wilson.

“By combining hydrogen, solar and wind power, Hornblower will minimize its environmental impact as we transport guests to popular national landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Our goal is to reduce emissions to the greatest extent possible, with a goal in the future to eliminate them entirely during a cruising day,” said Terry MacRae, CEO of Statue Cruises and Hornblower Cruises & Events. “We expect this pioneering project to inspire continued industry innovations. The technology on the Hornblower Hybrid is now scalable for other hybrid ferries, hybrid yachts and even hybrid tugs,” added MacRae.


Alisios vessel. Axpo completes first LNG bunkering in Valencia, with over half bio-LNG  

Ship-to-ship transfer to a container vessel makes Valencia the company's fourth Spanish port for LNG bunkering.

Christening ceremony of Makua vessel. Matson christens Makua, first of three LNG-ready Aloha Class container ships  

Dual-fuel vessel, due for delivery in early 2027, is the first of three ships worth around $1bn.

CMB.Tech logo. CMB.Tech seeks Singapore-based ammonia operations manager for Asia Pacific  

New hire will oversee ammonia chartering and bunkering and liaise with Far East partners.

Lumi Aurora vessel. IINO Lines deploys first Ice Class IB VLGC on long-term charter to Borouge International  

LPG-fuelled Lumi Aurora will carry North American gas to Borouge International's Porvoo plant in Finland.

Abelina Wagenborg vessel launch. Wagenborg launches first EasyMax 2.0 vessel, prepared for methanol, ammonia and LNG  

Abelina Wagenborg, built at Niestern Sander, is the first of a new generation designed for multiple alternative fuels.

NYK and MISC joint venture signing. NYK–MISC joint venture signs charter for 18,700-cbm LNG carrier with Malaysia LNG  

Asia LNG Transport will operate the dual-fuel diesel-electric newbuild, due from Hudong-Zhonghua in 2028, on routes to Japan.

Tsuneishi logo. Study finds methanol dual-fuel retrofit of Kamsarmax bulk carrier would take about 75 days  

Report by Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center, involving Tsuneishi, puts conversion costs at 25–30% of the cost of a conventionally fuelled newbuilding.

LR, Shell and GTT joint development project (JDP) launch. Lloyd's Register, Shell and GTT launch joint project on hybrid-electric 200,000-cbm LNG carrier  

Partners to develop a concept combining hybrid-electric propulsion with GTT NEXT1 cargo containment technology for larger LNG carriers.

ClearMariner homepage. ClearMariner expands maritime sanctions screening with ESG, emissions and API support  

Online service now combines sanctions checks with voyage CO₂, CII, EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime estimates.

Long Jing Xin, Flex Commodities. Flex Commodities adds Long Jing Xin to Singapore marine fuels team  

Company appoints associate for marine fuels as part of plan for regional expansion.