Digital twins and SOFC cut emissions from ports and ships

With MSC Cruise Management, GE Power Conversion is working with Ceres and Lloyd’s Register to develop and integrate multi-megawatt (MW) solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) systems into large ship architecture.

The team has created a collaborative design for up to 10-MW onboard SOFC power installations to provide electric power for large ships and replace conventional diesel generating sets. 

A 10-MW SOFC has the potential to reduce CO₂ emissions by 47%, and significantly improve air quality and noise pollution when ships are in port.

SOFC can operate on different types of new, cleaner fuels, a benefit as ship operators seek solutions for the transition to zero-emissions fuels.

“Industry is investing in clean-ship and clean-port technology readiness,” said GE Power Conversion UK managing director Andy Cooper. “It is important we work with customers on their operational needs if the path to net-zero is to be viable. These teams are making impressive progress towards potential commercialisation.”

Mr Cooper expects GE’s electric microgrid systems to integrate new energy sources and smarter digital and control technologies as they develop.

CMDC is delivering demonstration projects for clean energy solutions for maritime and ports in partnership with Innovate UK. The Department for Transport has allocated £23M (US$29M) in funding for 55 projects supported by 208 organisations from across the UK.

CMDC is supporting the research, design, and development of zero-emissions vessels and infrastructure solutions to enable clean technologies to commercialise and to accelerate the decarbonisation of the maritime sector.

The programme is funding projects from across the UK, including Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and from the southwest to the northeast of England.

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