Proteus Energy, headquartered in Singapore, has developed the Proteus® Maritime Fuel Cell Solution, a modular hydrogen fuel-based system for ports and vessels.
The first offering is the Proteus®75. Each fuel cell stack is 75 kW output, and these can be combined for larger power requirements. The vessel types being targeted are harbour craft, and vessels in the coastal, offshore support, and in-land waterway segments.
The technology has been developed in partnership with Symbio France, a world leading hydrogen fuel cell company with over 30 years track record. Symbio is jointly owned by global industrial groups Michelin, Stellantis, and Forvia.
“The maritime industry needs viable clean energy solutions today," said Dr Lars Gruenitz, CEO of Proteus Energy. “We are providing a high energy density solution that is compact and lightweight, which is critical for vessels where space and weight considerations are imperative. This system is the logical and most cost-effective choice to help operators make a quantum leap in their decarbonisation efforts”.
The Proteus® Maritime Fuel Cell Solution can be delivered as a modular powerpack or customised and fitted into vessels.
Benefits include:
- Zero tailpipe emissions.
- Negligible noise or vibration.
- Low maintenance cost due to few moving parts and no lubrication oil consumption.
- Fast refuelling time compared to slower battery charging time.
- Hydrogen fuel can be stored for long time periods without any loss versus batteries which lose energy (even if not in use) and need to be regularly recharged.
Proteus’ fuel cell technology also complements electric propulsion and offers a powerful solution for hybrid vessels by extending their range and easing the load on batteries, thus improving space efficiency and vessel performance.
Proven on roads and now customised for the sea
The solution will be backed by a two-year performance guarantee from Symbio France.
Symbio’s systems have already logged millions of kilometers powering cars, buses and commercial trucks across Europe. Now, that same rigorous, road-tested performance is being deployed at sea with added protections for marine operating conditions.
Global-scale manufacturing with automotive production line precision
The fuel cell stacks are produced at the gigafactory in Lyon, France, using robotic assembly systems capable of producing thousands of units annually.
This high-throughput capability ensures that rising demands can be met without sacrificing quality.
Symbio tests over 2000 fuel cell membranes each year – enabling faster upgrades and long-term performance enhancements – something new players in the market are not able to do.
Hydrogen fuel tank storage
To provide a convenient fuel storage option, the company also offers high-pressure hydrogen storage tanks developed with its partner Forvia, a major global components and technology company. The DNV type-approved tanks, which are already available for delivery, offer a safe and easy way to store hydrogen onboard vessels and will be produced on an industrial scale.
In addition, the company works with port operators to provide them with customised refuelling solutions and infrastructure.
“As regulators push towards zero emissions, ports and vessel operators face immense pressure to act now. With our proven technology and system designed for practical integration, we can assist our customers to meet their emission targets ahead of schedule and future-proof their business,” said Dr Gruenitz.