A UK-backed consortium claims to have “validated” a concept for a hydrogen-based charging system for medium-sized cruise ships that can operate without shore-side grid connections.
The consortium led by start-up Elire Maritime developed the concept using £1m ($1.3m) of government funding.
The platform would use 1.3MW fuel cell systems to charge onboard batteries via three floating podiums carrying seven hydrogen tanks. Elire said it could remove the need for conventional generators and hydrogen infrastructure upgrades at ports.
Completed with an industry and academic consortium including Ricardo, Schneider Electric, and the University of Strathclyde, the system underwent “full operational validation” covering stability, electrical architecture, and hydrogen-to-power systems.
While it has only been verified as compatible with 6.6kV and 11kV vessels, the firm said it can reduce vessel emissions at berth by 77% and achieve energy costs comparable to conventional shore power.
Elire also said it is in talks to potentially deploy systems on three continents.
When docked, ships typically run onboard diesel generators to power systems, which can account for up to 70% of port-side emissions.
Hydrogen systems have been used to provide port-side power in demonstration projects. However, broader deployments have not emerged.
Luke Jenkinson, CEO of Elire, said the platform proves that ports “do not need to wait years for grid upgrades to begin reducing emissions.”
The company has not indicated system pricing or its hydrogen sourcing strategy.
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