Odfjell Set to Experiment with Solid Oxide Fuel Cell System on Chemical Tanker

Alma Clean Power, Odfjell, and DNV have jointly unveiled an ambitious project aimed at installing a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system on a chemical tanker by the conclusion of the year 2024. This groundbreaking initiative holds significant promise for revolutionizing the maritime industry's approach to energy generation and emissions reduction.

Solid oxide fuel cells represent a cutting-edge technology that offers fuel flexibility by converting a range of fuels, including ammonia, liquefied natural gas (LNG), methanol, and hydrogen, into electricity. Importantly, these fuel cells boast the potential for higher energy efficiency compared to traditional internal combustion engines. The implementation of SOFC technology in maritime settings is set to deliver short-term emission reductions while laying the groundwork for emission-free operations once alternative fuels become more readily available.

In practical terms, the project's vision involves the installation of an 80-kilowatt (KW) solid oxide fuel cell container, powered by natural gas, aboard one of Odfjell's chemical tankers. This demonstration aims to showcase the effectiveness of SOFCs as a highly efficient energy conversion solution for deep-sea shipping. Notably, Alma Clean Power received DNV's coveted Approval in Principle in January 2023 for their design of a 1-megawatt (MW) ammonia-fueled SOFC system, emphasizing the growing interest and investment in this innovative technology.

Harald Fotland, the CEO of Odfjell, underscored the company's commitment to advancing energy efficiency, fuel flexibility, and zero emissions capabilities, emphasizing the project's alignment with their long-standing dedication to sustainability.

Tuva Flagstad-Andersen, the regional manager for maritime in North Europe at DNV, recognized the project's potential to yield valuable insights. She noted that it provides a substantial opportunity to gain practical experience with SOFC technology, which can, in turn, inform and enhance industry regulations and guidelines. This collaborative effort aims to leverage the project's outcomes to engage in constructive dialogues with relevant Flag Authorities, furthering the adoption of sustainable and efficient energy solutions in maritime operations.

The integration of solid oxide fuel cell technology into the maritime sector carries significant implications for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the transition toward cleaner and more sustainable shipping practices. With the capability to efficiently convert various fuels into electricity, SOFCs represent a versatile solution that can adapt to the evolving landscape of alternative energy sources. The flexibility of these fuel cells positions them as a pivotal player in the quest for decarbonization and emission reduction within the maritime industry.

Furthermore, the project's timeline, aiming for completion by the end of 2024, underscores the urgency and commitment to addressing environmental concerns in the shipping sector. As international regulations and public scrutiny on emissions intensify, initiatives such as this demonstrate a proactive approach to aligning maritime operations with evolving sustainability standards.