Mon 28 Mar 2011, 07:24 GMT

Cruise firm awards fuel cell power contract


Vessel to be propelled by hydrogen fuel cells, wind, solar and a Tier II diesel engine.



Hydrogenics Corporation, a leading developer and manufacturer of hydrogen generation and fuel cell products, has announced that the company has received a contract from Statue Cruises, LLC, a subsidiary of Hornblower Cruises & Events, for the delivery of two HyPM HD 16 fuel cell power modules delivering up to 33 kilowatts of continuous power.

The 600 passenger Hornblower Hybrid [pictured] will be propelled by hydrogen fuel cells in a compound hybrid arrangement along with wind turbines, solar panels and a tier 2 diesel engine for additional energy needs.

When in harbour, vessels typically utilize diesel powered main engines or auxiliary power units emitting large amounts of emissions and noise into the environment.

"Fuel cells emit no emissions and comparatively little noise making them an ideal solution for high profile marine applications. In the case of fleets which return to a common port or base, the economic justification for hydrogen fueling stations can be compelling," Hydrogenics Corporation said in a statement.

“We are proud to be providing our fuel cell products for this high profile application. Delivering our standard fuel cell power modules allows customers to rapidly deploy fuel cells in a wide variety of challenging environments,” said Daryl Wilson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hydrogenics Corporation. In addition to providing fuel cell power modules, we will support Hornblower’s US Coast Guard certification process by utilizing our vast experience working with many of the leading certification bodies throughout the world,” added Wilson.

“By combining hydrogen, solar and wind power, Hornblower will minimize its environmental impact as we transport guests to popular national landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Our goal is to reduce emissions to the greatest extent possible, with a goal in the future to eliminate them entirely during a cruising day,” said Terry MacRae, CEO of Statue Cruises and Hornblower Cruises & Events. “We expect this pioneering project to inspire continued industry innovations. The technology on the Hornblower Hybrid is now scalable for other hybrid ferries, hybrid yachts and even hybrid tugs,” added MacRae.


Ardmore Shipping logo. Ardmore Shipping posts 14% fleet emissions reduction in 2025 sustainability report  

Ardmore Shipping’s annual sustainability report highlights emissions cuts, safety gains and governance rankings across its tanker fleet.

Peter Keller, SEA-LNG. SEA-LNG mid-year review points to continued growth across methane pathway as coalition marks tenth anniversary  

LNG orders, bunkering volumes and biomethane production all rise as SEA-LNG gains IMO consultative status.

Heinz vessel. Econowind receives DNV type approval for VentoFoil 3-Series wind propulsion wing  

DNV certification set to streamline integration of VentoFoils on classed vessels worldwide.

Wärtsilä ammonia engine Wärtsilä to supply ammonia engines and propulsion systems for two Navigator Amon gas carriers  

Mid-size LPG/liquid ammonia carriers will be equipped with Wärtsilä’s ammonia-fuelled auxiliary engines.

Phil Sharp and Toon Muhlheim. Genevos and Koedood Marine Group sign LOI to explore hydrogen fuel cell deployment  

Two companies to collaborate on the use of hydrogen fuel cell systems for inland and coastal maritime transport.

Samskip SeaShuttle vessel render. Samskip brings SeaShuttle project into European HyShip initiative to develop liquid hydrogen infrastructure  

Two hydrogen-powered container vessels will operate between Rotterdam and Oslo from 2027.

Antwerpen vessel. Korea Register and HD Hyundai team up to advance ammonia-fuel shipping in South Korea  

Two organisations are cooperating on eco-friendliness verification for ammonia dual-fuel vessels.

Fabio Cococcetta, WinGD. Green ammonia could become the first commercially viable zero-emission marine fuel, WinGD study suggests  

Joint report by WinGD and Envision Energy sets out the economic case for green ammonia.

Rasul Shirinov, Oilmar. Oilmar appoints junior marine fuels trader at Dubai trading desk  

UAE-headquartered bunker firm hires Rasul Shirinov, with a background in the agricultural sector.

Antonia Maersk vessel. Maersk bunkers large dual-fuel vessel with 100% ethanol in Barcelona  

Ocean carrier scales up ethanol bunkering in bid to broaden its low-emission fuel strategy.