Fuel cells extend zero-emissions operations for offshore and harbour vessels

Vallianz Holdings head of engineering Wu Shengwei thinks these technologies should be applied to offshore support vessels and tugs to eliminate emissions from harbour, coastal and offshore operations.

He explains the latest applications of hydrogen fuel cells and batteries during an interview at Riviera’s Offshore Support Journal Conference, Asia 2024, held in Singapore in September.

He also says there will be more opportunities to apply alternative fuels, such as LNG, ammonia or hydrogen, in newbuild OSVs as these fuels become available in the long term.

Mr Wu says batteries energy density is improving and three types of hydrogen fuel cells can be applied offshore - proton-exchange membrane (PEM), solid oxide and molten carbonate.

He thinks PEM fuel cells are most suitable for OSV applications due to the varying power, dynamic positioning requirements and need for instant power to boost operations.