“The fuel cell for ships can replace not only the existing power generation engine but also the main propulsion engine, and through the energy management system (EMS), energy efficiency can be improved,” commented Moon Sang-jin, managing director of Doosan Fuel Cell.

The two signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at Korea Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Research Institute on March 18, 2021.

Doosan Fuel Cell will design and manufacture fuel cells, while KSOE will develop fuel cell infrastructure standards for ships.

As compared to current marine engines, a marine fuel cell is a high-efficiency power generation source that produces electricity using hydrogen and liquefied natural gas (LNG). It can increase power generation efficiency by up to 40%.

It is also regarded as a vital technology in the age of environmentally friendly ships since it releases less pollutants such as sulfur oxides (SOx) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) (NOx).

Doosan announced in October of last year that it will build a Korean-style high-efficiency SOFC, with commercial production beginning in 2024 as part of a Korean government project.

The company also signed an MOU with Singaporean shipper Navig8 in November 2020 to build fuel cells for ships. Doosan Fuel Cell will install a SOFC currently in production on a 50,000-ton petrochemical oil carrier operated by Navig8 as part of the partnership.

Maritime Business World