This is a tiny test and like a few others we've seen* will produce auxiliary power (electricity for lights, reefers, 'puters etc) rather than powering the boat. But an interesting step by an oil supermajor.
From Offshore Energy, April 21:
Shell will collaborate on a feasibility study to test the use of hydrogen fuel cells for ships, the first for both Shell and in Singapore, striving for cleaner and hydrogen-powered shipping.
This trial will develop and install an auxiliary power unit proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell on an existing roll on/roll-off (RoRo) vessel that transports goods, vehicles and equipment on lorries between the mainland and Shell’s Pulau Bukom Manufacturing Site.
Chartering the trial vessel and the hydrogen fuel provider, Shell is collaborating with SembCorp Marine and its wholly-owned subsidiary LMG Marin, which will design the fuel cell and retrofit the vessel, and Penguin International, which owns the roll-on/roll-off vessel.
A feasibility study will be carried out first, with the intention to install the fuel cell next year. The vessel will operate for a trial period of 12 months.
Shell’s analysis reportedly shows that hydrogen with fuel cells is the zero-emissions technology with the greatest potential to help the shipping sector achieve net-zero emissions by 2050....
....MUCH MORE
You know what fuel cells run on don't you....
The MSC World Europa will have LNG powered engines and fuel cell produced electricity...
