H2SITE’s ammonia cracking technology for producing fuel-cell-quality hydrogen onboard has received Approval in Principle (AiP) from Lloyd’s Register (LR). The technology, which is an onboard containerized solution that converts ammonia into hydrogen using H2SITE’s hydrogen-selective membranes, is gaining momentum as a potential hydrogen carrier for onboard applications.
Hydrogen fuel cells can use the produced hydrogen to contribute to the vessel’s electrical power or it could be consumed directly in an internal combustion engine. The technology overcomes the thermodynamic limitations of the ammonia cracking reaction by recovering hydrogen continuously and resulting in virtually complete ammonia conversion and higher efficiencies at lower temperatures, reducing overall energy consumption and footprint.
H2SITE operationally demonstrated its ammonia to hydrogen power technology last November when the Zumaia Offshore’s Bertha B vessel carried the technology onboard, validating its performance in actual offshore conditions. “We are proud to have achieved this milestone,” said Jose Medrano Technical Director at H2SITE. “It validates the design and safety of our onboard ammonia cracking technology for decarbonizing maritime applications based on membrane reactors.”
The AMMONIA to H2POWER systems will be integrated with both propulsion systems and auxiliary power units to serve a range of vessels, from offshore platforms to tankers and gas carriers. With this integration, these vessels will be able to generate their own electricity using renewable sources, thus contributing to sustainable maritime practices.