Case studies on battery and hydrogen fuel cell use in cruise and ferry sectors

Speakers lineup

Switch Maritime’s chief operating officer, Elias van Sickle, will present the world’s first hydrogen fuel-cell ferry, Sea Change, now operating in the US

This vessel was constructed by Bay Ship and Yacht in Alameda, California, and transferred to All American Marine in Bellingham, Washington, for the installation of the fuel cells, hydrogen storage tanks and other equipment, and for final commissioning.

Sea Change started operating with zero emissions in San Francisco, California, in Q3 2024

In his presentation, Mr van Sickle will talk about the project challenges, advances in fuel-cell technology for the maritime industry that enabled Sea Change, and the operational experiences to date. He will also forecast what is next for Switch Maritime and zero-emissions ferries in the US.

MSC Cruise Management’s UK-based director of newbuilds, research and development, Giovanni Somma, will present the company’s plans for installing fuel cells on cruise ships.

His presentation will address the feasibility of hydrogen-electric powertrains, applications for fuel cells based on availability of LNG, methanol and liquefied or compressed hydrogen.

Mr Somma will also consider the different vessel configuration considerations and the systems available for ship retrofits and newbuild vessels.

Hurtigruten chief operating officer Gerry Larsson-Fedde will explain the reasons for investing in electrification of cruise ferries and cruise ships, including reducing fuel consumption and delivering emissions-free operations

He will provide a case study of designing a ship for electrification and using power from shore for zero-emissions in port and batteries for reducing emissions for hotel loads

Tidal Transit director Leo Hambro will provide case studies for retrofitting crew transfer vessels (CTVs) used to take engineers to offshore windfarms, with batteries and other equipment for sustainable clean maritime operations.

He will consider the advantages such as reducing fuel costs and operating expenses, as well as emissions, and highlight the charging infrastructure options.

Seatrium assistant manager Nirmal Vineeth Menon will provide a case study involving retrofit of a vessel in Singapore with a hydrogen fuel cell. He will also outline the alternate design approach and approvals, sea trials and data collection and Seatrium’s future plans.

Riviera’s fifth international-focused Maritime Hybrid, Electric & Hydrogen Fuel Cells Conference returns to Bergen, Norway, on 29-31 October 2024 to bring together leading vessel owners, energy companies, port authorities, regulators, class, technology and battery manufacturers. Use this link to register and purchase tickets and for more information