High Efficiency Low Emission Nautical SOFC (HELENUS)

The maritime sector is a crucial part of global trade, responsible for 90% of it. However, it also contributes significantly to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with 2.5% coming from this sector and 13% from the EU transport sector. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has mandated a 50% reduction in GHG emissions from shipping by 2050 compared to 2008 levels. Meanwhile, the European Commission (EC) “Fit for 55” plan is more ambitious, targeting a 55% reduction in GHG by 2030 and 90% by 2050 compared to 1990 levels. To achieve these goals, the maritime industry needs to adopt a range of approaches, including high-efficiency energy conversion technologies, energy-saving solutions, onboard electrification, and renewable/climate-neutral fuels.

The HELENUS project will develop and demonstrate a 500 kW solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) in an MSC World Europa class ocean cruise vessel. The SOFC will be fully integrated into the ship’s design, producing both electricity and high-grade heat in combined heat and power mode. The project aims to achieve a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 7 by its end, with plans for extended field testing to reach TRL8 by 2028-2029. If successful, this technology could be scaled up to as much as 20 MW by 2029, leading to over 23% total fuel savings compared to state-of-the-art energy systems with only internal combustion engines (ICEs). Furthermore, the project will demonstrate scalability of the SOFC technology to 10 MW and beyond, with further potential applications in dredging and offshore vessels, using future carbon-neutral maritime fuels.

As part of the project, ifeu investigates the environmental impacts caused by the use of solid oxide fuel cells and compares them with those of a conventional system. In addition, ifeu is modeling the production of future synthetic fuels.