Renewable energy company e1 Marine has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with naval design and engineering specialist Navtek to collaboratively develop hydrogen-powered low-carbon emission marine vessels and port applications for the European market.
This includes incorporating e1 Marine’s methanol-to-hydrogen generator technology with PEM fuel cell power solutions on Navtek-identified marine applications. The initial project will be to develop a 120m-160m hydrogen-powered car carrier design that requires 8-10 MW of propulsion power, with the focus then shifting to a methanol fuel cell powered hybrid tugboat design.
As part of the agreement, Navtek will be responsible for the naval architecture and overall vessel design, as well as the supply of electrical propulsion system design. Navtek will manage the power system and controls integration, and the ship assembly and construction. e1 Marine will supply its methanol-to-hydrogen reformers to the vessels and provide best practices on system integration.
Navtek has a focus on innovative design for the decarbonisation of the tugs, pilot boats, tankers, carriers, and ports sectors. The firm is part of Kiran Holdings, a maritime organisation with naval architecture, shipyard, system integration, and vessel operation capabilities.
e1 Marine’s technology offers a solution for decarbonisation, adding to a limited selection of methanol-enabling technologies within the industry. The organisation, which is wholly and equally owned by Element 1, Ardmore Shipping and Maritime Partners, has a deep knowledge of methanol, hydrogen, and fuel cell technology, with insight and experience of both the inland waterways market and international shipping.
Ferhat Acuner, GM and Board Member Navtek said: “Navtek is spearheading innovation to create the next generation of vessel designs that can seamlessly reduce total emissions. Our agreement with e1 Marine is the latest in a series of collaborations that brings together specialist technologies and expertise to meet the diverse needs of fleets and port operations in their journeys to reach a zero emissions future.”
Robert Schluter, MD e1 Marine added: “e1 Marine is committed to ensuring that safe, efficient, and affordable hydrogen is available at scale for the shipping industry. Collaboration is a key component in the decarbonisation of the sector, and this partnership with Navtek will enable us to combine our expertise and open up opportunities for car carriers and tow boats to accelerate the decarbonisation process.”
e1 Marine’s system produces zero particulates, zero NOx, zero SOx, and lower CO2 emissions than a diesel generator. The hydrogen that e1 Marine’s methanol-to-hydrogen generator produces meets ISO14687 (2019) purity specifications for all PEMFC applications.
