Blue World completes testing of 200kW maritime methanol fuel cell system

Blue World Technologies has completed the testing of its first 200kW high-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell module.

The test was completed at the new test facilities at the Blue Aalborg Factory, where the fuel cells for the system are produced. The initial testing has been completed with great results that exceeded performance expectations.

The Blue World maritime system

The system is a scalable configuration, intended to replace conventional fossil-based gensets and also, later, to provide large multi-megawatt fuel cell-based propulsion systems. The system is built with a modular approach, enabling fuel cell power systems as containerized solutions on deck or integrated on the ship. It is expected to reach a commercial stage with the system for power production in 2027.

The system is based on high-temperature PEM fuel cell technology (HT PEM). When powered by renewable methanol, the system has a net-zero operation. According to the company, the fuel cell system is also ready for carbon capture, ensuring CO₂ can be recycled or stored. It enables up to 100% carbon capture for use in green fuel production and for storage. In terms of NOx, SOx or particle emissions, the fuel cell system has been designed to cause no air pollution.

With an electrical efficiency of up to 55% when reaching a commercial stage, the fuel cell system is said to provide a fuel saving of 20-30% which, the company says, enables a cost-efficient use of green fuels.

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 for the environment.

Dennis Naldal Jensen, chief technology officer at Blue World Technologies, explained, “This is a major breakthrough within maritime decarbonization and with the test of our 200kW system, we are proving that the HT PEM fuel cell technology has the potential of being one of the key technologies to decarbonize the hard-to-abate sectors. 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.”

1MW system for Maersk

The first pilot system is a 1MW system for onboard power production. The system will be installed on one of AP Moller – Maersk’s large dual fuel-enabled methanol vessels and the installation on board is expected during H1 2026.

The order for the pilot system was followed by a venture investment by Maersk Growth – the venture arm of AP Moller – Maersk – where they participated in an €11m (US$11.8m) pre-C-round at the end of 2023 alongside The Export and Investment Fund of Denmark (EIFO), Cycle Group, and other new and existing shareholders. With the potential of the HT PEM fuel cell technology, Maersk Growth is following the development and test of the system closely.

Alex Smout, investment director at Maersk Growth, stated, “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 200kW 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 high electrical efficiency, size, and load adjustment. This is a great example of how we can support innovation through both investment and partnership.”

“Having worked with fuel cell technology for more than 20 years, it is amazing for us to reach this stage of the technology development, where we, with these large systems, can provide a strong alternative to an industry that is heavily dependent on fossil-based technologies,” said Anders Korsgaard, co-founder and CEO of Blue World Technologies.

“Maersk is the global frontrunner when it comes to maritime decarbonization, and we are very pleased with the collaboration on the first 1MW pilot and we are very much looking forward to getting the system out sailing”.

In related news, Maersk recently launched the first of 18 large methanol-enabled vessels currently on order. Click here to read the full story.