Fuel Cell

A fuel cell converts a fuel and oxidant directly to electricity through an electrochemical reaction, with no combustion and so no NOx or particulates and high part-load efficiency. Marine interest centers on PEM cells running on hydrogen and solid-oxide cells able to use methanol or ammonia after reforming. Power density, cost, fuel storage, and stack durability keep deep-sea use experimental, with current installations on ferries, harbor craft, and auxiliary power. Fuel-cell ships are covered by developing IGF-Code provisions and class fuel-cell guidelines.