Connect with us

Hydrogen

Fincantieri to build two new hydrogen-powered ships for MSC Explora Journey fleet

“EXPLORA V” and “EXPLORA VI” will have new energy efficiency measures and will also be capable of using alternative bunker fuels such as bio and synthetic gas and methanol.

Admin

Published

on

277 2

Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri on Thursday (21 September) said the Cruise Division of MSC Group confirmed firm orders for two hydrogen-powered vessels for its luxury travel brand Explora Journeys.

The deal completes a total investment of EUR 3.5 billion in six luxury ships for Explora Journeys. The contracts are subject to access to financing as per industry practice.

EXPLORA V and EXPLORA VI will have new energy efficiency measures and will also be capable of using alternative bunker fuels such as bio and synthetic gas and methanol and the Cruise Division will work in the future with Fincantieri to equip the ships with future technologies including carbon capture, and more advanced waste management systems. The two confirmed additions to Explora Journeys’ fleet will be delivered in 2027 and 2028.

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman - Cruise Division, MSC Group, said, “With Explora Journeys we have created a luxury brand that has been successful at redefining luxury at sea. We are seeing continued growth in the luxury segment and the investment in these two new ships shows our commitment to continue to grow within this sector as well as to invest in ships of the future.”

“Together with Fincantieri we will study the newest technology that the world has to offer and continue with our commitment to introduce these technologies to drive efficiencies across the whole spectrum of ship performance.  And of course we will continue to deliver the very best luxury travel experience, immersing our guests in the ocean state of mind with an sustainable soul.”

Pierroberto Folgiero, Chief Executive Officer, Fincantieri, said “This new contract with MSC is a sign of the growing vitality of the cruise sector, in line with what we had predicted. In strategic terms, our future will depend on our ability to lead the evolution of the sector towards all energy and digital transition technologies with the entrepreneurship required to validate, industrialise and commercialise new solutions.”

“The relevance of the partnership with MSC in this sense is a great strategic stimulus towards the future in line with the technological development goals set out in our new business plan. We are therefore particularly proud that the Explora project will mark the acceleration of this new phase, which with the fifth and sixth ships, will reach the highest level of advancement, making Fincantieri's vision of the ship of the future ever more concrete.”

The two new ships will pursue the use of liquid hydrogen with fuel cells for their hotel operations while docked in ports to eliminate carbon emissions with the vessels’ engines switched off. The ships will also feature a new generation of LNG engines that will further tackle the issue of methane slip with the use of containment systems.

Explora Journeys’ first ship, EXPLORA I was delivered by Fincantieri in July 2023 and is currently operating in Northern Europe.  The ship will spend the autumn in North America, and the winter in the Caribbean Sea.  She will sail during the spring 2024 off the U.S. West Coast and Hawaii before returning to Europe in summer 2024 for a series of journeys in the Mediterranean Sea.

EXPLORA II will enter service in summer 2024 and operate until April 2025 in the Mediterranean Sea, the Middle East, the Indian Ocean and Africa visiting 82 ports in 26 countries.  EXPLORA II first ‘touched water’ on 6 September 2023 at a ‘float out’ ceremony near Genoa in Italy.

EXPLORA III will enter service in summer 2026 and construction of the LNG-powered vessel started on 6 September 2023 with a steel-cutting ceremony.  Construction of LNG-powered EXPLORA IV will begin in January 2024 and will be completed in early 2027.

All six ships in Explora Journeys’ fleet will be equipped with the latest environmental and marine technologies and will also feature the latest selective catalytic reduction technology to enable a reduction of nitrogen oxide emissions by 90 per cent, be equipped with shore power plug-in connectivity to reduce emissions in port and fitted with underwater noise management systems to help protect marine life.  

All six vessels will also have a comprehensive range of onboard energy efficient equipment to optimise engine use to further reduce emissions.

Photo credit: Fincantieri
Published: 22 September, 2023

Continue Reading

Alternative Fuels

Halifax Port Authority secures funding for green shipping corridor and infrastructure projects

Initiatives include preparing to host and potentially refuel alternative fuel-powered vessels, establishing a hydrogen production facility and electrifying port equipment to reduce emissions.

Admin

Published

on

By

Halifax Port Authority secures funding for green shipping corridor and infrastructure projects

Canada’s Minister of Transport and Internal Trade Anita Anand on Wednesday (5 February) said an investment of up to CAD 22.5 million (USD 15.7 million) has been granted to Halifax Port Authority from Transport Canada to prepare the port for future bunker fuels and energy sources.

The investment includes CAD 22.5 million to accelerate development of the Halifax – Hamburg green shipping corridor. 

Initiatives under this segment include preparing to host and potentially refuel alternative fuel-powered vessels, establishing a hydrogen production facility and electrifying port equipment to reduce emissions. 

The remaining CAD 2.5 million will be used for the Ship to Shore Crane Infrastructure project, under the National Trade Corridors fund, to relieve supply chain congestion, expand terminal capacity, and increase speed and efficiency when servicing larger vessels at the Port of Halifax.

“Our ports are essential to global trade and to Canada’s economy. By investing in green shipping corridors, supply chain infrastructure, and clean technologies, we’re taking decisive action to reduce emissions,” Anita Anand said. 

“Together, we’re building a sustainable future for transportation, while supporting jobs and driving economic growth in Nova Scotia and beyond.”

 

Photo credit: Transport Canada
Published: 10 February, 2025

Continue Reading

Alternative Fuels

PowerCell: Hydrogen fuel cells with methanol reformer tech offers solution to net-zero shipping

Fuel cells with methanol reformer tech can convert methanol into hydrogen onboard, producing energy from methanol 30% more efficiently than internal combustion engines, says Dr. Andreas Bodén.

Admin

Published

on

By

PowerCell: Hydrogen fuel cells with methanol reformer tech offers solution to net-zero shipping

Dr. Andreas Bodén, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of fuel cell systems developer PowerCell shares with Manifold Times the potential of hydrogen fuel cells with methanol reformer technology as a solution in maritime industry’s transition towards net-zero-emission: 

 As the maritime industry transitions towards net-zero emissions, renewable fuels have been at the forefront in advancing sustainable shipping. According to Hydrogen Europe’s “Long-term outlook on zero-emission mobility” survey, e-fuels hold the most promise for various ship types, including ferries, cruise ships, and container vessels. 

Among these e-fuel options, methanol reformer technology is emerging as a potential solution in this transition. This technology can convert methanol into hydrogen onboard through steam reforming, enabling proton-exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells with 30% greater efficiency than internal combustion engines, paving the way for compact, high-power, and net-zero energy solutions without relying on pure hydrogen infrastructure.

Hydrogen, often dubbed the building block of the energy transition, emerges as a viable option for certain vessels with fixed or shorter routes, such as passenger ferries and service vessels. However, its practicality for wider-scale use in deep-sea shipping has significant challenges related to supply of green molecules and energy density, as well as storage, transport, and handling.

Methanol addresses these challenges by serving as an easy and efficient liquid hydrogen carrier. It is easy to handle, store, and transport at ambient temperature and pressure. By serving as a hydrogen carrier, methanol overcomes the logistical obstacles of hydrogen fuel while still enabling the use of high-efficiency fuel cells. This symbiosis positions methanol and fuel cells as key players in scaling renewable fuels for the maritime industry. 

PowerCell: Hydrogen fuel cells with methanol reformer tech offers solution to net-zero shipping

Dr. Andreas Bodén, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of PowerCell

Efficient use of scarce resources

Green fuels like renewable methanol face significant hurdles, from scaling production to securing offtake agreements. Marine economist Dr. Martin Stopford warns that shipping might lag behind other sectors, such as road transport and chemicals, in accessing renewable fuels. At the same time, the Methanol Institute tracks nearly 90 green methanol projects aiming to produce 9 million tons annually by 2027, some of which will benefit the marine industry.

Despite the level of optimism, renewable methanol will be a scarce and a costly resource for the foreseeable future. Lloyd’s Register estimates its initial cost at around $1,000 per ton, which is significantly higher than conventional fuels. Shipowners must therefore maximise efficiency, reducing the volume of renewable fuel required and mitigating operating expenses.

Methanol’s energy density surpasses hydrogen and ammonia but falls short of hydrocarbon fuels. Lloyd’s Register highlights that ship operators would require two and a half times more methanol than traditional fuel oil for equivalent energy output. This disparity underscores the necessity of adopting more efficient propulsion systems.

Fuel cells: A pathway to efficiency

Fuel cells with methanol reformer technology offer a solution. These systems can convert methanol into hydrogen onboard through steam reforming, producing energy from methanol 30% more efficiently than internal combustion engines. PEM fuel cells which can use this technology stand out for their compact size, efficiency, and high-power density. These technologies enable net-zero energy generation without the need for pure hydrogen infrastructure.

For smaller vessels like ferries and towboats, fuel cells can serve as the primary propulsion system, reducing renewable methanol consumption by up to 30%. Larger ships, such as container vessels, can use fuel cells to power auxiliary engines, eliminating emissions from fossil-fuel generators during port operations. Renewable methanol further curbs nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by up to 80%, while eliminating sulphur oxide (SOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions. These benefits can be enhanced when using an internal combustion engine (ICE) or a fuel cell with reformer technology specifically designed to reduce local pollutants. 

Beyond methanol, fuel cell reformer technology can be developed for ammonia. This adaptability offers a pathway to the efficient use of ammonia as a future zero-carbon solution. This flexibility also allows shipowners to adopt renewable methanol now and transition to other fuels as they become viable.

Balancing sustainability and efficiency

The IMO’s revised GHG strategy targets net-zero emissions for international shipping by 2050, with interim milestones for 2030 and 2040. Achieving these goals requires efficient use of renewable fuels and innovative propulsion systems. PowerCell’s Methanol to Power Solution, M2Power 250, exemplifies the potential to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce operational costs. 

As the maritime industry is responsible for 3% of global GHG emissions, fuel cells with methanol reformers represent a practical solution. Whether powering smaller vessels or auxiliary systems on deep-sea ships, this technology bridges the gap between the current fuel limitations and the future of sustainable shipping. 

The marine industry must embrace innovative solutions to achieve net-zero emissions. Fuel cell technology, with its unparalleled efficiency and fuel optionality, positions many shipowners best to navigate the challenges of the energy transition. 

 

Photo credit: PowerCell
Published: 6 February, 2025

Continue Reading

Alternative Fuels

ENGINE on The Week in Alt Fuels: Trump doctrine could favour blue hydrogen

Trump’s recent executive orders are unlikely to impact existing tax incentives for low- and zero-emission fuel production in the US, but they may redirect focus from green to blue fuels.

Admin

Published

on

By

RESIZED Venti Views on Unsplash

Trump’s recent executive orders are unlikely to impact existing tax incentives for low- and zero-emission fuel production in the US, but they may redirect focus from green to blue fuels.

US President Donald Trump recently issued an executive order to pause all unspent federal funding tied to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Federal agencies now have 90 days to report how these funds align with the administration's broader energy goals to the Office of Management and Budget and the National Economic Council.

This order has raised questions about its potential impact on the US low- and zero-emission fuel production sector. But some experts suggest that the move is unlikely to harm the existing tax subsidies for clean fuel production under the IRA.

"All spending on Inflation Reduction Act and IIJA (Bipartisan Infra Law) ordered to be stopped by Trump Executive Order. I assume this applies to unspent discretionary grants and loans like most (all?) of DOE LPO and GDO, but not tax credits,” said Rob Gramlich, president of power-grid consultancy Grid Strategies. He added that stopping mandatory grants would venture into legal complexities under the impoundment law, which requires such funds to be spent unless overridden by the Supreme Court.

IRA tax credits like 45V for green hydrogen and 45Q for carbon capture promote the production of green and blue hydrogen-based fuels in the US by reducing the production cost of these fuels.

These subsidies could benefit several green and blue fuel projects in the US that could produce hydrogen-based fuels for the bunker market. For instance, Methanex and Woodside Energy are developing green methanol and blue ammonia production in Beaumont. HIF Global is building an e-methanol plant in Matagorda County, and LSB Industries has plans for a blue ammonia plant near the Houston Ship Channel.

Removing tax credits will raise low-carbon fuel production costs and contribute to keep price gaps with fossil fuels wide.

But since they are already enacted, removing them would require further congressional action, which could “prompt legal challenges,” according to Robert Moczulewski, senior director at tax advisory firm Baker Tilly.

Gerben Hieminga, senior energy sector economist at ING, believes that “hydrogen and CCS tax credits can survive and continue to play a crucial role in reducing costs” under the Trump administration. In fact, they may even see “loosened eligibility criteria,” which can help to reduce costs, he added.

He also noted that the freeze could impede funding for green hydrogen technologies such as electrolysers, but Trump's focus on natural gas and carbon capture and storage (CCS) might boost blue hydrogen production.

“Blue hydrogen is likely to dominate green hydrogen, allowing the industry to grow more significantly due to the larger scale of blue hydrogen projects,” he said, estimating US blue hydrogen production could reach 4.8 million mt/year by 2030, compared to only 1.2 million mt/year of green hydrogen.

While tax credits may survive Trump's presidency, Hieminga cautions that uncertainties around “tax credit guideline finalisation, non-credit funding, and government-enabled hydrogen development programmes can slow down project development.”

In other news this week, Spanish project developer Reolum plans to build a plant to produce 140,000 mt/year of e-methanol for bunkering and other industries. The plant will be located in the Castilla y León region of northwestern Spain and is expected to become operational by 2027.

Swedish e-fuel company Liquid Wind plans to build another 100,000 mt/year e-methanol production plant in Finland. The fuel produced will primarily be supplied to the maritime and aviation sectors. Commercial operations are expected to begin in 2029.

Global marine fuels supplier Monjasa will start supplying biofuel bunker blends in the Panama Canal area. Monjasa will offer ISCC-certified B30-VLSFO blends in Panama, the company said in a social media post. It expects to supply about 5,000-7,000 mt/month.

By Konica Bhatt

 

Photo credit: Venti Views on Unsplash
Published: 27 January, 2025

Continue Reading
Advertisement
  • Zhoushan Bunker
  • Sea Trader & Sea Splendor
  • v4Helmsman Gif Banner 01
  • RE 05 Lighthouse GIF
  • Consort advertisement v2
  • EMF banner 400x330 slogan
  • Aderco Manifold Website Advert EN
  • SBF2

OUR INDUSTRY PARTNERS

  • Triton Bunkering advertisement v2
  • SEAOIL 3+5 GIF
  • E MARINE LOGO
  • Singfar advertisement final
  • HL 2022 adv v1


  • Golden Island logo square
  • Trillion Energy
  • CNC Logo Rev Manifold Times
  • PSP Marine logo
  • Energe Logo
  • Synergy Asia Bunkering logo MT
  • Auramarine 01
  • 300 300
  • Mokara Final
  • pro liquid
  • LabTechnic
  • 400x330 v2 copy
  • Advert Shipping Manifold resized1
  • Headway Manifold
  • VPS 2021 advertisement

Trending