PowerCell bags order to fit hydrogen fuel cells

PowerCell, a leading hydrogen fuel cell supplier, secured order for delivery of world’s largest marine hydrogen fuel cells to two Norwegian ferries, 6 MW hydrogen fuel cells to be fitted on two Torghatten Nord ferries, saving 26,500 tonnes of CO2 per year – representing a major milestone for shipping’s energy transition.

The order, which was secured after a thorough tender process, has a value of €19.2 million, and represents the largest non-combustion fuel propulsion project to date in the global marine industry.

PowerCell will work with leading Norwegian systems developer and integrator of low- and zero-emission solutions for marine industry SEAM to deliver the solution, who will be responsible for the electrical installations on the ferries. Final delivery is to take place in the fourth quarter of 2024. Torghatten Nord and PowerCell also intend to enter into a long-term service agreement.

PowerCell will deliver its PowerCellution Marine System 200 to two vessels owned and operated by Norwegian transport group Torghatten Nord, enabling the ferries to produce approximately 6 MW of power each. The ferries, which will predominantly be powered by green hydrogen, are expected to reduce their combined CO2 emissions by 26,500 tonnes per year. This corresponds to the CO2 emissions from 13,000 diesel cars per year being removed from the roads.

Today’s announcement comes as part of a Norwegian government initiative that aims to see all ferries crossing the Vestfjorden between Lofoten and Bodø in Northern Norway be emission-free. With a long and demanding crossing of up to four hours, green hydrogen was deemed the most viable solution to supply the power these vessels require. The ferries – each with a capacity of 599 passengers and 120 cars – are scheduled to operate from October 2025 as part of a replacement programme for similar sized and operable fossil energy-powered ferries.