Bloom Energy, Samsung advance plans for clean power ships

Bloom Energy and Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) have signed a joint development agreement (JDA) to design and develop fuel cell-powered ships.

The two companies advised that they would work together to realise their vision of clean power for ships and a more sustainable marine shipping industry.

As part of the agreement, SHI is taking part in all of the relevant activities from early studies to project completion.

Bloom Energy has created a dedicated, cross-functional team of engineers to adapt its servers to the requirements of the marine environment.

The next milestone the companies are working towards is to present the design to potential customers by 2022, with the ships growing to 300 megawatts per year following commercialisation.

SHI vice president of shipbuilding and drilling sales engineering Haeki Jang said that by signing the joint development agreement, the company had a plan to develop eco-friendly ships that would lead the future of the industry.

“Our goal is to replace all existing main engines and generator engines with these highly efficient solid oxide fuel cells to align with the International Maritime organisation’s 2030 and 2050 environmental targets,” Jang said.

Bloom Energy founder, chairman and chief executive officer KR Sridhar believes the marine shipping industry has the ability to make a substantial impact on emissions and air quality at ports.

“We see a collaboration with one of the world’s largest shipbuilders, SHI, as a moment to make measurable strides in reducing emissions and extending our mission for clean, reliable energy to the seas,” Sridhar said.

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