LNG-Powered Fuel Cells Could Cut Ships’ Carbon Emissions in Half
Posted on Aug 7, 2007 in Environmental, Vessel Transportation | Comments Off on LNG-Powered Fuel Cells Could Cut Ships’ Carbon Emissions in Half
A European design team including members from several shipping companies and Norwegian ship classifier Det Norske Veritas (DNV) has released plans to equip coastal vessels and supply ships with LNG-powered fuel cells, Reuters reports (carried via the Edmonton Journal). Despite the higher investment cost for the power generating systems, Tomas Tronstad of DNV said “stricter regulations coupled with policies favouring green solutions will in future years more than compensate for the higher initial investment costs of fuel cells.” According to DNV estimates, conversion from diesel-powered engines to LNG-powered fuel cells can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 50%, and sulphur and nitrogen oxide emissions would be reduced to almost zero.