MOL and e5 to study hydrogen fuel cell systems

The companies are working together to develop and promote electrically powered zero emission vessels (ZEVs), and aim to develop a hydrogen hybrid PCC, which does not emit CO₂, SOx, NOx or particulate matter in coastal waters or in ports.

Propulsive force comes from electricity supplied by the hydrogen fuel cell system and large-capacity batteries. In the open sea, the hydrogen hybrid PCC’s motor would be powered by an LNG-fuelled generator and the large-capacity batteries, resulting in significantly lower emissions than current vessels equipped with diesel engines running on heavy oil.
MOL said it is pursuing the possibility of introducing more extensive and more advanced technologies with the goal of zero emissions. The hydrogen hybrid PCC concept is a logical step ahead from these past projects.

MOL has worked on the idea of ZEVs for a decade now. In 2009, it revealed its Ishin-I car carrier. In 2012, it launched the world’s first hybrid car carrier, Emerald Ace, which is equipped with a large-scale solar power generation system and batteries. In 2016 it began Ishin Next, a smart ship project that further built on the Ishin project of 2009.
Both companies will first conduct technological and business feasibility studies of the hydrogen hybrid PCC, and when they gain positive results, move on to the next phase of joint development of a hydrogen hybrid PCC based on the results.