Market applications
Maritime
The methanol fuel cell technology provides a green alternative to the maritime sector addressing the worldwide focus on cutting down CO2 emission and reducing air pollution.
A maritime game-changer
With a cutting-edge technology platform, based on high-temperature PEM technology, the Blue World methanol fuel cell system provides a strong alternative to conventional gensets and engines.
A methanol fuel cell system enables a truly green operation within the maritime sector providing a net-zero or even a carbon-negative operation and zero NOx, SOx, or particle outlet.
The methanol fuel cells are a flexible power solution that can be used both as smaller gensets as well as for large auxiliary power generation or propulsion in the megawatt range depending on ship type and customer needs.
The Blue World fuel cell systems are built with a modular approach,
allowing for fuel cell power systems as containerised solutions on deck or integrated on the ship.
Accelerating the green transition
Every year, global shipping is responsible for about three per cent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. Blue World Technologies aims to accelerate the green transition of the maritime market by providing fuel cell-based system that runs on methanol.
Blue World’s methanol fuel cell systems can deliver the electricity required on board, utilising a simple and modular configuration which consists of 200-kilowatt modules that, when combined, can produce an energy load in the multi-megawatt range. This implies that the energy supply can be modified to meet the needs of the customers.
Blue World’s methanol fuel cell system has a superior electrical efficiency of 50 to 60% compensating for the green premium related to sailing on green fuels. With a typical fuel saving of 20-30%, operating expenses are reduced, allowing for a more cost-effective use of green fuels.
First system in the making
The first 1 MW pilot system is currently in the making at the Blue Aalborg fuel cell factory. The system will provide onboard power and will be installed on one of the Maersk’s methanol-powered container ships on order.
“At Maersk we see methanol fuel cells as an interesting and promising technology. With well above 100 methanol enabled vessels on order across the industry, the demand for green fuel is rising. The prospect of fuel cell technology to significantly improve energy efficiency for these expensive green fuels could become an important component in closing the price gap to conventional bunker fuel and enable the green transition of shipping”.
Ole Graa Jakobsen
Vice President, Fleet Technology at A.P. Moller – Maersk
The great vision
To reach net-zero for the maritime industry new technologies and fuels are required. Initially, Blue World will supply modular power generation systems providing an electric output in the megawatt range. When reaching a higher technology maturity level, and having proved the potential of the technology at sea, the systems can be expanded to cover both the internal power generation onboard and propulsion.
The unique system architecture enables up to 100% carbon capture at low energy cost. This provides the ship owner the opportunity to either reuse the CO2 for the production of new fuel or for underground storage leading to a CO2-negative operation.
It makes a difference
With a worldwide focus on finding alternative power solutions for the maritime industry the methanol fuel cell technology provides multiple benefits making the technology a strong candidate.
The HT PEM fuel cell system supports our customers in meeting environmental compliance requirements.
Fuel saving due to high efficiency
With a superior electrical efficiency of 50-60%, the Blue World HT PEM fuel cell system can provide 20-30% fuel savings, making it affordable to go green.
150°C Waste heat recovery
The fuel cell system operates at high temperature and recovers the energy for internal system optimisation. Additional heat can be used on board to cover basic heat demand.
Net-zero and no air pollution
With a net-zero or even a carbon-negative operation and zero NOx, SOx, or particle outlet the fuel cell system has a positive impact on both the climate and environment.
Innovative system architecture
Cutting-edge system architecture enables high efficiency and a simplified system layout with minimal components and subsystems which contributes to an attractive total cost of ownership.
Robust fuel cell technology
The HT PEM fuel cell technology is robust and has a high resistance to impurities from the reformed fuel making it ideal for maritime usage.
Enabling CO2 neutral and CO2 negative operation
Methanol is not only an existing and widely recognised fuel within the maritime industry in 2023 it has also taken the lead as the most wanted alternative fuel for shipping currently with more than 250 ships to run on methanol on order. According to DNV, 9% of all new build contracts in the maritime sector in 2023 will be powered by methanol and with LNG at 7% and ammonia at 1%, 2023 became the year when methanol entered first place as the leading alternative fuel for shipping.
When running on methanol based on renewable or biogenic sources the operation can be CO2 neutral or even CO2 negative as Blue World’s unique system architecture enables up to 100% CO2 recovery for CCUS (carbon capture utilisation and storage).
As a liquid fuel at atmospheric pressure, methanol is a fuel that is simple to handle and can be stored in large volumes. Methanol is already widely available in the majority of the largest ports around the world making methanol a strong candidate as an alternative to fossil fuels.
Methanol is a top candidate for maritime decarbonisation
As a liquid fuel, methanol is easy to handle and store onboard
Methanol can be produced from renewable electricity or biogenic sources
Blue World's unique system architecture enables up to 100% CO2 recovery for CCUS
Want to know more?
Our team is ready to provide you with further information on the use of methanol fuel cell technology for different applications or within specific industries.
Working at Blue World you will make a difference – for the company, your colleagues, and for the world
The methanol fuel cells provide high energy-efficiency and long lasting durability
The methanol fuel cells act as a green alternative to a wide range of industries around the world