http://www.energyefficiencynews.comAfion Media LtdFirst fuel cell passenger ship launches in Germany<p><a
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href="http://www.protonpowersystems.com">Proton Power Systems (PPS)</a> has launched what it claims is the world’s first fuel cell powered passenger ferry in Hamburg, Germany.</p>
<p>The ZemShip (Zero Emission Ship) runs on a hybrid unit made up of two 48 kW fuel cell systems made by PPS’s subsidiary Proton Motor Fuel Cell GmbH and a lead gel battery.</p>
<p>“The launch of the ZemShip marks a significant milestone,” says PPS chairman Thomas Melczer, “and is a testament to the potential of our fuel cell technology.”</p>
<p>The combination of fuel cells and battery has twice the fuel efficiency of a standard diesel engine ship. The ZemShip runs on gaseous hydrogen stored in 50 kg onboard tanks, which provide enough fuel for around three days.</p>
<p><a
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href="http://www.linde.com">The Linde Group</a> has designed and built a hydrogen filling station especially for the Zemship. The hydrogen is stored as a liquid at -253°C until it is needed, then it is transformed into a gas in an evaporator before being compressed up to 450 bar in a two-stage compressor.</p>
<p>After a first phase of testing, the ZemShip will start commercial service as a 100-capacity passenger ferry on the Elbe and Alster rivers.</p>
<p>The European Union has ploughed €2.4 million into the project to support its development and operation until 2010.</p>
<p>The fuel cells that power the ZemShip have other applications too, says Melczer, including buses, refuse trucks and even forklift trucks.</p>
<p>For further information:<br />
<a
rel="external"
href="http://www.protonpowersystems.com">www.protonpowersystems.com</a><br />
<a
rel="external"
href="http://www.linde.com">www.linde.com</a></p>
http://www.energyefficiencynews.com/i/1210/
2008-09-01T00:00:00-00:00Fuel cell, marine transport, Proton Power Systems, The Linde Group