Shell to trial hydrogen fuel cells for Singapore ships

SHELL has entered a collaboration which will trial the use of hydrogen fuel cells on ships in Singapore.  

The trial will involve developing and installing an auxiliary power unit Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell on an existing Ro-Ro (roll-on/roll-off) transport vessel. The feasibility study will be done in collaboration with SembCorp Marine, a marine and offshore engineering group, and Penguin International, the owner of the Ro-Ro vessel. The ship transports goods, vehicles, and equipment to Shell’s Pulau Bukom Manufacturing Site from the mainland.

The study is the first of its kind for Shell and for Singapore. The aim will be to install the fuel cell next year.

Nick Potter, General Manager of Shell Shipping and Maritime, Asia Pacific & Middle East, said: “This trial is an important step in demonstrating the applicability of hydrogen and fuel cells on ships. We see fuel cells and hydrogen as a promising pathway for decarbonising shipping, and working with partners in this way will develop our understanding of this critical technology. This trial is a testament to the thriving sector ecosystem in Singapore that makes this possible. It is also part of our ambition to help accelerate progress towards net-zero emissions in the shipping sector, an important pillar of the Singapore economy.”

Wong Weng Sun, Sembcorp Marine President and CEO, said: “Sembcorp Marine is delighted to partner Shell on this project. It holds exciting possibilities for decarbonisation in the marine and energy industry. Hydrogen fuel cells have the potential to revolutionise shipping and transportation, enabling the industry to become greener with the ambition to achieve the 2050 target set by the International Maritime Organization to reduce total greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping by at least 50%.”