Fuel Cell Technology Applied to Crude Carriers

A very large crude carrier built by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering

Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) announced on Jan. 21 that it has won approval-in-principle (AIP) from the ABS of the United States for the application of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system to very large crude carriers (VLCCs).

Solid oxide fuel cells are a low-carbon, high-efficiency renewable energy technology that produces electric power through electrochemical reactions between hydrocarbons made through LNG oxidization and oxygen.

DSME said that when solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) replace existing generator engines, the efficiency of power generation increases. They also significantly slash greenhouse gas emissions.

During the development process, DSME carried out the characterization of fuel cell stacks, estimation of the system’s volume and weight, system layout in vessels, establishment of the danger zone and risk analysis, and process simulations.

ABS is one of the world's leading ship classification organizations. It is participating in developing decarbonation technologies using advanced technologies and digital solutions.

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