Marine service company eCap Marine receives an order for a power capacity of 6.4 MW from Ballard for Samskip vessels.
Ballard Power Systems Secures Major Marine Fuel Cell Engine Order for Samskip Vessels
In a significant step forward for clean propulsion solutions in long-haul marine operations, Ballard Power Systems has announced a purchase order for 6.4 MW of FCwave™-200 kW fuel cell engines. The order, placed by eCap Marine GmbH, will power two vessels in Samskip's fleet, aiming to decarbonize routes between Norway and the Netherlands.
This order marks a critical validation point for the use of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell propulsion in maritime applications, demonstrating the feasibility and effectiveness of this technology in shipping. It is also among the largest fuel cell power packages ordered for marine use, showcasing growing industry confidence in this technology.
Ballard's FCwave™ modules are the first fuel cell modules type-approved by major classification societies (DNV, Lloyd's, ABS) for marine applications, ensuring compliance with international maritime standards and safety. The order is backed by ENOVA, Norway’s government agency for energy and climate initiatives, aligning with national decarbonization strategies.
The collaboration between Ballard Power Systems and eCap Marine, which started in 2021, continues with this significant order. Lars Ravens, Managing Director of eCap Marine, and Marty Neese, President & CEO of Ballard Power Systems, share a commitment to operational excellence and environmental stewardship.
The deployment of Ballard's fuel cell engines on Samskip vessels is set to contribute to decarbonizing routes between Norway and the Netherlands, positioning Ballard’s fuel cell technology as a proven, scalable solution for decarbonizing the shipping industry. Delivery of the engines is planned for 2025 and 2026.
This latest order plays a critical role in advancing zero-emission marine propulsion, helping Samskip reduce carbon emissions on key European routes and positioning Ballard’s fuel cell technology as a viable, long-term solution for the maritime sector.
[1] Ballard Power Systems. (2023). Press Release: Ballard Power Systems Signs 6.4 MW Fuel Cell Engine Order for Samskip Vessels. Retrieved from www.ballard.com/press-releases
[2] eCap Marine. (2023). Press Release: eCap Marine and Ballard Power Systems Collaborate on Green Marine Propulsion Systems for Samskip Vessels. Retrieved from www.ecap-marine.com/press-releases
[3] ENOVA. (2023). Press Release: ENOVA Supports Ballard Power Systems and eCap Marine in Decarbonizing Maritime Transport. Retrieved from www.enova.no/press-releases
[4] Samskip. (2023). Press Release: Samskip Aims to Decarbonize Routes between Norway and the Netherlands with Ballard Power Systems and eCap Marine. Retrieved from www.samskip.com/press-releases
The contract with Ballard Power Systems signifies a significant shift in the maritime industry, as the clean propulsion solution provided by FCwave™-200 kW fuel cell engines will be utilized in Samskip's environmental-science-focused operations. Furthermore, this business venture between Ballard Power Systems, eCap Marine, and Samskip is supported by financial backing from ENOVA, paving the way for further technological advancements in sustainable finance and zero-emission marine propulsion.
