Lürssen is making strides with its research and innovation in sustainability with not one but two major announcements made last week during 2022 Monaco Yacht Show. Photo: Werner SobekThe German shipbuilder announced that the team at its new Innovation Laboratory in Bremen has successfully simulated and tested the integration and operation of a Marine Hybrid Fuel Cell System on board a yacht powered by methanol. “Under real-life ambient conditions and with all required auxiliary systems this demonstration plant can be considered to be the final preparations to bring fuel cells on board a yacht successfully,” Lürssen stated. 

The work has been completed thanks to a strategic partnership with Freudenberg, one of the leading experts for maritime fuel cells which employs around 50,000 people in 60 countries. Notably, Freudenberg recently received type approval from RINA, and the safety concept conforms to the IMO Interim Guideline and is approved for use on all types of ships. This is the world’s first type approval for a maritime fuel cell system with integrated fuel reforming for the fuel type methanol.“With Freudenberg e-Power Systems we have a strong partner at our side,” Peter Lürssen commented. “We both have the aim to bring fuel cells on-board ships in the near future and…