DNV approves ZeroCoaster ammonia powered cargo ship
The approval confirms that the ship’s design is feasible and can be commercially realised.
The ZeroCoaster Consortium, which is led by Vard and includes ABB, Trosvik Maritime, Sintef Ocean, and HK Shipping, has received approval from DNV for ammonia fuel cell propelled cargo ship design.
DNV (a leading classification and certification body in the maritime industry) concluded that the design and integration of the alkaline fuel cell module with an in-built cracker complies with all relevant maritime rules, regulations, and standards. The Approval in Principle (AiP) confirms the design is feasible and that there are no obstacles that could prevent the solution from being realised.
The Norwegian Government sponsors the ZeroCoaster program. The aim is to design next-generation coastal cargo ships to accelerate the transition to zero-emission shipping solutions.
AFC Energy has been working with Vard, ABB, and ZeroCoaster partners since June 2021. The technology chosen for the ship’s 1.2 MW power requirement was AFC Energy’s new ‘S’ Series heavy-duty marinised platform which is expected to host 2 x 600 kW of alkaline fuel cell systems and ammonia cracking technology within modular 40ft containers. The design is capable of both retrofit and new build craft.
Vard will commence commercial discussions with prospective customers to purchase new ammonia fuelled ships featuring ammonia technology.
Andreas Buskop, GM at Vard Engineering Brevik AS, said, “We strongly believe in the role green ammonia will play in supporting industry’s aspirations to go green.”
Adam Bond, CEO of AFC Energy, commented, “The maritime industry’s increasing reliance on Green Ammonia as a decarbonisation fuel lends itself perfectly to AFC Energy’s high energy-dense alkaline fuel cell technology.”
