The pioneering technology leader in electrification products, robotics and motion, and power grids ABB, will deliver the first fuel cell system for Royal Caribbean International as part of a pilot project. The BZ technology was first presented last week at the Technology Display Days in New York. 

The system was developed by ABB Marine & Ports. It includes a 100 kW FCvelocity fuel cell engine and the associated hydrogen storage system from Ballard Power Systems. Fuel cell system will be first implemented as a solution to provide energy for the cruise ships during the stays in the port cities. Longer-term plans also provide for the use of the fuel cell in supporting the propulsion system. Last year Royal Caribbean announced it will implement cell technology on their upcoming LNG powered icon class vessels slated for delivery in 2022 and 2024 by the Finish shipyard Meyer Turku.

“Our goal is to take the smoke out of the smokestacks, said Harri Kulovaara, Executive Vice President of Maritime and Newbuilding, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “We are dedicated to innovation, continuous improvement, and environmental responsibility, and using fuel cell technology gives us the opportunity to deliver against all three of these pillars.”

“This pilot installation demonstrates that fuel cell technology is now firmly in sight of the cruise industry,” said Juha Koskela, Managing Director, ABB Marine & Ports. “Fuel cells have been the next big thing for 25 years, but now they are a reality.”