Holland Shipyards Group (HSG) has started working on the retrofit of Future Proof Shipping’s second vessel ‘FPS Waal’ to sail on hydrogen power.
The first vessel, FPS Maas, is currently at the yard in the final phase of its retrofit. For the FPS Waal, measuring 110m x 11.40m, long lead components such as the six Ballard FC Wave fuel cells, the AYK batteries, and electric propulsion motor have been ordered and cutting of the steel for the new technical space is soon to begin. The conversion is expected to be completed at HSG within five months.
As with the sister vessel, the propulsion system for FPS Waal will be completely retrofitted. The internal combustion technology will be replaced with hydrogen technology, removing the main engine and reduction gearbox. The diesel engine driving the bow thruster and the diesel generators will be replaced by a new modular propulsion system. This consists of electric motors, hydrogen tanks, a PEM fuel cell system (for converting hydrogen into electricity power) and a battery system. With six fuel cell modules, the FPS Waal will have a fuel cell capacity of 1.2 MW. . For this second ship an innovative cooling and ventilation system will be applied, carried out with a subsidy from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate. Following the retrofit, the vessel will have a cargo capacity of 200 TEU, but provisions will be made for an additional push barge.
Future Proof Shipping’s FPS Waal will be operating the Rotterdam – Duisburg route on the Rhine, one of Europe’s busiest waterways. With this retrofit Future Proof Shipping enables cargo companies to ship their containers emissions-free on this route.
