ABS published its Guide for Fuel Cell Power Systems for Marine and Offshore Applications to support the design, evaluation, and construction of fuel cell systems on vessels and offshore assets, ABS said in its release.
The Guide, which covers all fuel cell types, focuses on the use of fuel cell systems and arrangements for propulsion and auxiliary systems both in new-build and retrofit projects while maintaining key safety principles.
Upon Owner’s request, the optional notation FC-E (Essential Service) or FC-NE (Non-Essential Service) may be granted once the fuel cell installation has complied with the requirements of the Guide, which have been developed considering the latest draft Interim Guideline to the International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code).
ABS has just completed a joint development project with Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co., Ltd. to investigate the use of hybrid solid oxide fuel cell and gas turbine generator technology and to explore its potential installation on board future generations of LNG carriers. This theoretical work demonstrated high efficiency of electricity and heat co-generation.
Fuel cells are also addressed in the ABS Advisory on Hybrid Electric Power Systems, which takes a measured approach to evaluating the potential advantages and disadvantages, challenges and level of readiness for the primary hybrid electric power systems and components that are most suited for marine and offshore applications.
About ABS
ABS, a leading global provider of classification and technical advisory services to the marine and offshore industries, is committed to setting standards for safety and excellence in design and construction. Focused on safe and practical application of advanced technologies and digital solutions, ABS works with industry and clients to develop accurate and cost-effective compliance, optimized performance and operational efficiency for marine and offshore assets.