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.


RINA employee on board vessel. RINA unveils Mermaid propulsion concept to navigate uncertain decarbonisation landscape  

Fuel-agnostic design claims savings of more than 1,000 tonnes per year in some applications.

Adinkerke and Aalter naming ceremony. Exmar names third and fourth dual-fuel ammonia-powered vessels  

Midsize gas carriers Adinkerke and Aalter named at formal ceremony.

Professor Lynn Loo, GCMD. GCMD outlines practical approach to quantity assurance in marine biofuel supply chains  

New report addresses verification of both total fuel volume and renewable content in biofuel transactions.

Steel-cutting ceremony of London Express class vessel. Hapag-Lloyd cuts steel for first vessel of new London Express class  

16,800-TEU LNG dual-fuel vessel is first of 12 newbuildings in the class.

Vessels at sea. DNV report warns regulatory uncertainty complicates fleet investment decisions  

CEO urges greater clarity to provide the confidence needed for long-term investment.

Blue Whale NxtGen Energy battery system. Corvus Energy launches LFP battery system developed with BYD Energy Storage  

Blue Whale NxtGen Power targets tugs, ferries and workboats with high power demand.

Welcome ceremony of Yampu vessel. World’s first battery-powered self-unloading bulk carrier enters service in Australia  

MV Yampu connects South Australia’s limestone trade with a battery-electric propulsion system.

Skipanes vessel. E-methanol-ready ro-ro vessel delivered to Smyril Line  

190-metre vessel is built for year-round North Atlantic operations and designed for future e-methanol conversion.

Belgium flag. Sunoil Biodiesel secures approval to supply biofuels in Belgium  

Dutch biofuel supplier expands its European footprint with Belgian market entry.

Tacoma Maersk naming ceremony. Maersk takes delivery of dual-fuel methanol-capable Tacoma Maersk in China  

9,000-TEU vessel is one of six mid-sized dual-fuel ships joining Maersk's fleet.