Blue World Technologies has tested the world’s first 200-kW high-temperature PEM fuel cell module. The first pilot system will be installed on one of A.P. Moller-Maersk’s large dual fuel-enabled methanol vessels.
The test was completed at the newly established test facilities in connection to the Blue Aalborg Factory, where the fuel cells for the system are produced. The initial testing has been completed with great results, which has exceeded performance expectations.
With an electrical efficiency of up to 55 per cent when reaching a commercial stage, the fuel cell system will typically provide a fuel saving of twenty to thirty per cent, which enables a cost-efficient use of green fuels. Additionally, the fuel cell system allows for up to 100 per cent carbon capture for both utilisation in green fuel production and for storage.
‘This is a major breakthrough within maritime decarbonisation and with the test of our 200-kW system, we are proving that the HT PEM fuel cell technology has the potential of being one of the key technologies to decarbonise the hard-to-abate sectors,’ says Dennis Naldal Jensen, chief technology officer at Blue World Technologies. ‘During the test period, we successfully validated our system setup with the methanol fuel processor, the series connection of the fuel cell stacks, as well as the balance of plant components surrounding the fuel cells.’
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1-MW system for Maersk
The first pilot system is a 1-MW system for onboard power production. Installation of the system on one of Maersk’s large dual fuel-enabled methanol vessels is expected during H1 2026.
The order for the pilot system was followed by a venture investment by Maersk Growth, the venture arm of A.P. Moller-Maersk. At the end of 2023, the company participated in an EUR 11 million pre-C-round alongside The Export and Investment Fund of Denmark (EIFO), Cycle Group, and other new and existing shareholders. With the great potential of the HT PEM fuel cell technology, they are following the development and test of the system closely.
Alex Smout, investment director at Maersk Growth: ‘As an investor in Blue World Technologies, we are pleased to follow the progress of the system development and we share the team’s excitement for the successful testing of the 200-kW fuel cell system. The maritime industry needs multiple new technologies and pathways to reach its net-zero targets, and high-temperature PEM fuel cell technology is very promising in finding a balance between the high electrical efficiency, size, and load adjustment.’
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Commercial level in 2027
Blue World will initially supply systems for auxiliary power and expects that their maritime system will reach a commercial level in 2027. Eventually, the company will proceed to supply multi-megawatt propulsion systems for global shipping, which is where the fuel cell technology will provide the greatest impact on both the environment and climate.
Scalable configuration
The Blue World maritime system is a scalable configuration, firstly aiming to replace conventional fossil-based gensets, but later also provided as large multi-megawatt fuel cell-based propulsion systems. It is built with a modular approach, allowing for fuel cell power systems as containerised solutions on deck or integrated on the ship.
The system, that is based on high-temperature PEM fuel cell technology (HT PEM), provides high-grade waste heat of 150°C. When powered by renewable methanol, the system has a net-zero operation. The fuel cell system is ready for carbon capture, allowing for CO2 to be recycled or storage. With no NOx, SOx, or particle emissions, the fuel cell system does not cause any air pollution.
Photo (top): 200 kW fuel cell system is tested at Blue World’s test facilities in connection to the fuel cell factory in Aalborg, Denmark (by Blue World Technologies).
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