MSC trials hybrid propulsion, fuel cells for cruise ships

Cruise shipowners are considering batteries and fuel cells for their future vessel investments to cut emissions during voyages and in ports.

MSC Cruise Management director of newbuilds, research and development, Giovanni Somma, describes the technologies and alternative fuels the Italian owner is considering investing in to reduce its environmental footprint.

This includes developing hybrid propulsion and hydrogen fuel cells for cruise ships, Mr Somma explains in an interview at Riviera’s Maritime Hybrid, Electric & Hydrogen Fuel Cell Conference, which took place in Bergen, Norway.

MSC has tested solid-oxide fuel cells on board a cruise ship to demonstrate its technical viability for generating energy from hydrogen. The Italian shipowner is now considering scaling up the technology to generate MW of power on its next generation of cruise ships.

Mr Somma says batteries have also been considered for cruise ships and explains in the interview how multiple modules could run onboard systems and supplement engine power in the future.