TECO 2030 has today launched its zero-emissions operation concept, which will enable ships to sail in and out of ports emissions free by exchanging one or more of their engines with a TECO marine fuel cell
The move comes at a time when governments are increasing regulations to help lower greenhouse gas emissions, and introducing laws that ban ships running on fossil fuels from operating in a country’s waters. For instance, by 2026 Norway will allow only cruise ships and ferries operating on zero-emissions fuels entry into several Norwegian fjords.
TECO 2030 chief executive Tore Enger said “With our fuel cell technology, ships can operate emissions-free, both on the whole journey, or on just shorter distances, such as when sailing in and out of ports, and when staying in them.”
The zero-emissions operation concept will enable vessels to comply with any emissions regulations they may encounter when crossing national borders.
“To be able to sail in waters where such restrictions are in place, shipowners can replace one or more of their ships’ engines with a TECO Marine fuel cell. You will then have the engine of the future and be able to cruise in and out of ports while emitting nothing but water and warm air,” said Mr Enger.
These hydrogen fuel cell stacks range in size between 400 kW to 25 MW, and can ensure steady operation regardless of the size of the engine they replace. The company said “Hydrogen fuel cells are like batteries that do not need to be charged. They produce electricity and heat, and function almost the same way as normal combustion engines but use hydrogen instead of traditional fossil fuels such as diesel and petrol.”
Using hydrogen produced from renewable energy, ships can cut their greenhouse gas emissions to zero, as hydrogen only emits water vapour and warm air.
The Oslo-based company also offers other low-emissions technology such as the future funnel and recently received an order for four ballast water treatment systems from specialist refrigerated shipping company Dole.
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