Imagine a giant battery that doesn't just store power but creates it cleanly using fuel, while also capturing the heat it produces to warm the ship. Instead of burning fuel in a loud engine, it uses a chemical process to make electricity more efficiently. It's like upgrading a ship's old boiler and engine to a smart, clean energy plant that can run on various types of green fuels.
Shipping companies face strict IMO and EU 'Fit for 55' mandates to slash GHG emissions. Current internal combustion engines are too inefficient and polluting to meet these 2030 and 2050 targets.
A 500 kW solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) module integrated into a cruise vessel, supported by an 80 kW scaled-down experimental module.
If you are a cruise line operator dealing with strict EU emission targets and high fuel costs — this project developed a 500 kW solid oxide fuel cell that can scale to 20 MW. This technology can lead to over 23% total fuel savings compared to standard internal combustion engines.
If you are an offshore vessel operator dealing with the need for reliable, low-emission power in remote waters — this project developed a fuel-flexible SOFC system. It is designed to work with carbon-neutral fuels and is being tested for specific duty cycles of offshore vessels.
If you are a shipyard dealing with the challenge of integrating new green energy sources into ship hulls — this project developed a fully integrated spatial, electrical, and thermal SOFC module. It provides a roadmap for scaling these systems up to 10 MW and beyond.
Based on available project data, specific pricing or cost per unit is not provided.
Yes, the project demonstrates scalability to 10 MW and beyond, with a specific target of upscaling to 20 MW in ocean cruise liners by 2029.
Based on available project data, there are no specific details regarding IP or licensing agreements.
The project aims for TRL 7 by June 2027, with extended field testing planned to reach TRL 8 by 2028-2029.
The system is designed for full integration spatially, electrically, and thermally into the ship's design, operating in a combined heat and power mode.
The consortium is heavily industry-driven with a 77% industry ratio, comprising 10 industrial partners including 3 SMEs. With 13 partners across 6 countries (DE, FR, MT, NL, NO, UK), the group covers the entire value chain from research (DLR) to field implementation, ensuring the technology is developed for real-world commercial application rather than just academic study.
Contact the Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR) in Germany.
Contact us to explore licensing opportunities for high-efficiency maritime fuel cells.
