Fuel cell maker Blue World Technologies targets the maritime market with methanol-based concept

Danish fuel cell manufacturer Blue World Technologies plans to develop a fuel cell-based auxiliary power unit (APU) system that runs on methanol to replace diesel power generators onboard ships.

PHOTO: Prototype of methanol fuel cell-based APU system. Blue World Technologies

The fuel cells will be proton exchange membrane-based and production will begin at the end of this month. In the future, the company intends to expand its production capacity and develop methanol fuel cell systems for the main propulsion on ships.

According to Blue World Technologies, its modular APU system can be used on both newbuilds and retrofits and does not emit any nitrous oxides, sulphur oxides or particulate matter emissions.

The 200 kW-capacity “cabinet” unit will have an energy efficiency of 45-60% to "compensate for the green premium of e-fuels such as methanol."

PEM fuel cells typically have an electrical efficiency of 40-60%, according to the US Department of Energy.

Using renewable methanol for shipping has become a "global trend" in recent years, and Blue World will ride the wave "by offering high-power methanol fuel cell solutions," says Blue World co-founder and chief commercial officer Mads Friis Jensen.

By Konica Bhatt

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