Meyer Werft and Partners Unveil Zero4Cruise: A Groundbreaking Fuel Cell Research Initiative

The German shipyard Meyer Werft, along with its consortium partners, has launched the zero4cruise research project, aiming to integrate fuel cell technology powered by green methanol into a sustainable energy system for cruise ships. Officially started on January 24, 2025, this initiative seeks to enhance low-emission propulsion systems within the maritime sector.

Meyer Werft collaborates with Freudenberg Fuel Cell e-Power Systems and the German Aerospace Center (DLR), which will spearhead research in engineering thermodynamics and maritime energy systems. Their joint effort targets the development of large-scale fuel cell stacks and systems that can either be installed on new vessels or retrofitted onto existing ships, promoting long-term decarbonization within the cruise industry.

The proposed hybrid energy system will utilize proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells in conjunction with a methanol reformer and battery systems, enabling vessels to achieve carbon-neutral emissions, especially when docked at ports. DLR will take charge of the pre-development and testing phases of this technology, beginning with prototype fuel cell stacks rated at 250 kW (LT-PEM) and 120 kW (HT-PEM), which will be validated in controlled laboratory conditions.

Moreover, the DLR Institute of Maritime Energy Systems plans to conduct extensive long-term trials with a 500 kW maritime fuel cell system that aims to replicate actual cruise ship operational cycles to evaluate its long-term effectiveness. The Maritime Energy Laboratory will also work on the testing of newly designed LT and HT PEM fuel cell stacks to facilitate the overall advancement of the system.

This project receives substantial support from the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology, with funding amounting to EUR 18.7 million, underscoring the significant commitment to developing sustainable shipping solutions.

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