Freudenberg & Lürssen launch fuel cell ship cooperation
Freudenberg is launching a strategic cooperation with the Lürssen shipyard. The aim is to develop fuel cell systems for mega-yachts, aiming to completely replace conventional generators on their jointly built ships.
The fuel cells, which have been specially developed for maritime applications, are to completely replace the conventional generators on the ship at times during the first joint ship installation. This will enable the yacht to anchor for 15 days or cruise 1,000 miles with zero emissions. Freudenberg’s methanol-powered fuel cell system will be used for this purpose.
Freudenberg’s maritime FC systems can be operated with either pure hydrogen, methanol or liquid gas. Another component of the cooperation is the commissioning of an innovation laboratory at Lürssen, in which the integration and operation of Freudenberg’s maritime fuel cell systems on board a methanol-powered yacht will be simulated. The optimal hybridisation between fuel cells and batteries will also be analysed in the process.
“Our strategic cooperation with Lürssen is another milestone in our fuel cell strategy. This is how we are making a significant contribution to sustainability in the maritime sector,” said Claus Möhlenkamp, CEO of Freudenberg Sealing Technologies. “Our partners in the heavy-duty sector appreciate our strategic focus on fuel cell systems with high durability and efficiency.”
This is also not the first contact between the two companies, which had cooperated on testing fuel cell systems for larger ships back in 2019. Practical tests with the cruise ship AIDAnova from the initiative are scheduled to launch early this year.
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