Corvus signs first order for gas-safe Pelican Fuel Cell system

Corvus Energy has been selected by Hvide Sande Shipyard in Denmark to supply a complete hydrogen fuel cell system for the training vessel MS Skulebas.

The 35m fishing and training vessel has the latest technology and commercial fishing systems installed. The vessel, which is owned by Vestland County and operated by Måløy Upper Secondary School, will be the first of its kind, combining both fuel cells and batteries in a fishing vessel, Corvus states.

The Pelican Fuel Cell System, developed by Corvus through the three-year H2NOR project, builds upon fuel cell technology from Toyota. According to the partners, it is the only marine fuel cell designed to fully comply with the gas-safe principle, meaning it can be placed anywhere on board a ship without additional safety systems.

Corvus will deliver a 340kW PEM fuel cell system for Skulebas and Hexagon Purus will deliver the hydrogen storage solutions. The hydrogen fuel cell system is scheduled for delivery in mid-2024 and will be in full operation by the end of 2024.

MS Skulebas is already equipped with Orca batteries from Corvus Energy which will work together with the Pelican Fuel Cell System. Combining these two technologies enables the best of both worlds and significantly extends the range of zero-emission operations.

Kristian Holmefjord, EVP and project director of fuel cells, Corvus, explained, “Adding our gas-safe Pelican Fuel Cell System will enable the vessel to conduct the majority of its operations fully-electric, producing zero emissions, supplemented by clean hydrogen-powered energy when needed.”

Geir Bjørkeli, CEO of Corvus Energy, commented, “We need to thank the Hvide Sande Shipyard for choosing us as the supplier for MS Skulebas. This installation will be another big milestone for Corvus. Adding the Pelican fuel cell to the energy system on board will make this the first zero-emission fishing vessel in the world. Skulebas will play a pivotal role in showcasing the feasibility, efficiency and environmental benefits of fuel cells within the maritime industry, furthering the transition to decarbonize all vessels.

“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.”

MS Skulebas is owned by Vestland County. Jon Askeland, the county mayor, added, “A unanimous county council decision supported the need for this vessel. It will play a vital role in attracting and educating the future workforce. Investing in this project is one of the most forward-thinking uses of our funds, and it equips us to advance the fishing industry into a new era with evolving demands for more sustainable fishing methods, environmentally friendly propulsion, high flexibility, and above all, a high level of safety for all on board. Therefore, it is very gratifying to also introduce a cutting-edge hydrogen installation on the vessel.”

To find out more about Corvus’s latest developments in the electric and hybrid marine technology industry, click here.