Bureau Veritas is establishing guidelines to regulate fuel cell technology on ships. A fuel cell is a power source that chemically combines natural gases such as hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity. As this type of technology for shipping is so new, these are the first regulations of their kind. These pioneering guidelines are necessary to make sure that fuel cells are used safely, especially as they are expected to grow in popularity. 

Increasingly, ship owners and operators are looking at different ways to generate power onboard their vessels due to worries about high oil prices and fossil fuels running out.  Fuel cells are one solution for generating efficient electrical power. They create fewer carbon-dioxide emissions, are rechargeable and use less energy than traditional generators, making them kinder to the environment. They can also increase the efficiency of a ship's prolusion system. They haven't been used widely in shipping but have recently been regarded as a commercially viable option. Several research projects have tested fuel cells on a range of vessels from river cruise boats to deep sea carriers, with positive results.

Ruling the waves
It's important to have rules in place to provide a benchmark for ship owners. "But one of the most important issues is to have a regulatory framework which allows designers and ship operators to choose and feel safe. You will never get a system insured or certified if no one has a technical opinion on its safety," says Bureau Veritas product manager Gijsbert de Jong.

Land ahead
The guidelines are a mix of the most useful, relevant standards from both the marine and non-marine industries as fuel cells are already further developed in land based sectors. Pilot projects are underway to further test the potential of fuel cells. The broad guidelines mainly apply to new ships but can be extended for existing ships that fit fuel cells using natural gas or hydrogen. 

In the distance
At this stage, fuel cells alone would not be able to power large vessels but they are expected to develop to be capable of powering smaller ships and providing emergency power for large ships. The technology is definitely one to watch for the future, hence the need for guidelines now.  For a business whose history is steeped in the maritime industry, it's only fitting that Bureau Veritas is at the forefront of providing new solutions for shipping. 

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