GL envisions a zero emissions future

As part of his CO2 and greenhouse gas emissions presentation, Dr Sames, head of research and rule development, looked at the potential use of fuel cells in shipping, the use of renewable energy to produce hydrogen for fuel, the economics of the technology and two concept designs for fuel cell driven, hydrogen fuelled vessels.

The concept design of GL’s zero emission container feeder vessel will target the strict sulphur emissions regulations, due to come into effect in 2015. The vessel will use liquid hydrogen as fuel to generate power with a combined fuel cell battery system. Dr Sames explained that the fuel cell system delivers up to 5MW to two podded propulsions and multiple type C tanks which hold liquid hydrogen (LH2) – equivalent to ten full operating days.

Dr Sames went on to explain that for a true zero emissions future, the production of fuel needs to be addressed. The GL design concept proposes the use of wind energy to produce LH2 and estimates that it could be an attractive solution between 2020 and 2030.