Don’t miss the unique opportunity to experience first hand the methanol fuel cell technology in practice on board the Viking Mariella at Gas Fuelled Ships 2017.

According to Gerd Würsig and Ralf Sören Marquardt of DNV GL, the project on board the Mariella represents ‘the most serious, most advanced and largest fuel cell development project in the world’.

The fuel cell has been installed as part of the e4ships project, funded by the German government’s National Innovation Program Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology. The aim of the project is to prove the viability and safety of fuel cells for marine operations, develop feasible technical solutions and feed into the development of regulations facilitating their use – notably the International Maritime Organization’s IGF Code for low flashpoint fuels.

Several major players have partnered to bring this project to fruition. Under the Pa-X-ell sub-project, Meyer Werft established demonstrators both at its yard – for first technical examinations of reliability and suitability – and on board the Viking Line ferry Mariella, where a 90kW system comprising methanol-fuelled high temperature polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells have been installed.

The liquid cooled fuels cells were developed by Fischer Eco Solutions and SerEnergy. They are 5kW modules arranged in racks of six (so three racks are onboard Mariella), and feature internal methanol reformers for hydrogen production.

As part of a number of unique technical visits based around the fuel cells, the Viking Mariella’s Crew, along with representatives involved in the project from Meyer Werft and SerEnergy, will give delegates tours of the ship, including the engine room and bridge, and a detailed presentation on the workings of the fuel cells will be given as part of the Conference programme.

The Gas Fuelled Ships Conference is the only event to include technical visits and, as ever, this year’s Conference, entitled 'Fuelling the Future of the Shipping Industry', is proving to be very popular.

With less than 2 weeks to go, time is running out to book your place at this unique event.

Contact the Events team on +44 1329 825335 or email gasfuelledships@motorship.com.

Follow the event on Twitter @GFShip.