A milestone for maritime zero-emission solutions

The boat is being built by the Danish yard, Hvide Sande, and is the first fishing vessel with a propulsion system powered by a combination of fuel cells and batteries. Maritime students will have the opportunity to experience this modern technology as MS Skulebas will be operated by Måløy Upper Secondary School at the Western coast of Norway. The 35-meter fishing vessel is also equipped with the latest technology and commercial fishing systems.

Corvus Energy has since 2009 been developing new technology for reducing emission for the maritime industry. The propulsion system, called the Pelican Fuel Cell System, is developed by Corvus through the three-year H2NOR project, and builds upon well-proven technology from global fuel cell leader, Toyota. It is the only marine fuel cell that is designed to fully comply with the well-known inherently gas-safe principle, meaning it can be placed anywhere onboard a ship without additional safety systems.

The power of procurement

Cooperation has been vital in developing new technology. When CEO of Corvus Energy, Geir Bjørkeli, proudly announced the news, he also underlined the importance of the market being willing to invest in innovative solutions.

Corvus Energy’s CEO, Geir Bjørkeli, praises Vestland Fylkeskommune for being willing to invest in innovative technology. Photo: Corvus Energy

-  Vestland County was the first to invest in all-electric ferries back in 2014, and since then it has become a pioneer and global example with 19 out of 25 ferry routes being all-electric. This demonstrates that policy works, and we believe that today´s milestone will be the start of the same journey for hydrogen fuel cells as it was for batteries, stated Bjørkeli.