Powered by LNG, SOFC technology will deliver electrical efficiency up to 60% and will also eliminate nitrogen oxide, sulfur oxide and fine particulate emissions. In addition, it will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 30% compared to conventional dual-fuel LNG engines.
Cruise and Ferry. 31 October 2019
MSC Europe will be the world's first cruise ship to use SOFC technology (Image: MSC Cruises)
Chantiers de l'Atlantique will install the world's first LNG-powered fuel cell solution on board the new MSC Europa, scheduled for delivery in May 2022.
MSC Cruises shared the news during MSC Europe's steel cutting ceremony, revealing that the world-class ship would be the first of five in its fleet to be powered by LNG. MSC Europe will also be the first LNG-powered ship to be built in France.
Developed by the French research center CEA within the framework of the PACBOAT project of MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l'Atlantique, the new 50 kilowatt demonstration system will incorporate solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology and will use LNG to produce electricity and heat on board the MSC Europa. French contractor Entrepose Group will design and build the demonstrator, which will be approved by classification society Bureau Veritas.
SOFC technology operates at around 750 degrees Celsius, making it a more efficient option for high-power marine applications than the lower temperature, hydrogen-based proton exchange membrane fuel cell solutions that already exist. They are used in the automotive sector.
Powered by LNG, the SOFC technology will deliver electrical efficiency of up to 60% and will also eliminate nitrogen oxide, sulfur oxide and fine particulate emissions. In addition, it will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 30% compared to conventional dual-fuel LNG engines.
“We are pleased to be able to support this innovative project as it further demonstrates our commitment to contribute to the development of the next generation of advanced environmental technology for the benefit of the entire industry. It is a key element on our path to zero-emission operations, both at sea and on land .. "
Pier Francesco Vago, CEO MSC Cruises.
The 205,700-tonne MSC Europa will be the first of four world-class ships to join the MSC Cruises fleet. Chantiers d l'Atlantique will deliver the remaining three ships in 2024, 2025 and 2027. MSC Cruises' fifth LNG-powered ship will be an as-yet-unnamed Meraviglia Plus-class vessel, debuting in 2023.
Chantiers de l'Atlantique also delivered MSC Cruises' first Meravilgila Plus class ship, MSC Grandiosa, on 31 October. The ship, which features advanced environmental technologies and other innovations for passengers, will be christened in Hamburg, Germany, on November 9 during a four-day celebration.
“The delivery of MSC Grandiosa and the official start of construction of the first world-class ship are two important milestones in the history of our partnership with MSC Cruises,” said Laurent Castaing, CEO of Chantiers de l'Atlantique. Chantiers de l'Atlantique, we are happy and proud to provide our privileged client with cutting-edge solutions that significantly reduce the environmental impact of ships. MSC Cruises can thus benefit from the results of the research and development programs that we have been leading for 10 years in terms of energy savings and environmentally friendly technologies.”
