Bild finns på artikelsidan:First run for hydrogen whale watcher
01 Jun 2008
The dual fuel vessel Elding 1 made its first trial run from Reykjavik following a successful assessment of the fuel cell system and certification by Germanischer Lloyd.
The Hamburg based clasification society certified the fuel cell system and its integration according to the GL 'Guidelines for Fuel Cell-Systems on board of ships and boats' (VI-3-11), ensuring the technical safety of fuel cell application. The whale watching ship features a hydrogen auxiliary power unit in addition to its regular diesel engine.
Elding 1 was originally built in Iceland as a rescue ship. The 125 ton cruiser has capacity for 150 passengers and is part of the 'SMART H2' project, which is a demonstration project testing hydrogen fuelled vehicles and vessels. The project, which tests various types of hydrogen fuelled equipment, began in March 2007 and will extend until 2010.
This trip was an important step to test hydrogen technology in marine conditions, especially for the Scandinavian area. It shows our ability as a frontrunner in a very innovative and efficient future technology', said Rainer Gutzmer, area manager Scandinavia at Germanischer Lloyd. 'The assessment of the fuel cell system according to our Fuel Cell Guideline was carried out successfully and in good cooperation with our project partners Icelandic New Energy and Icelandic Hydrogen, added Finn Vogler, project manager, Department Risk Assessment and Mechanical Analysis at GL. 'This project demonstrates for the first time the use of fuel cell systems on a commercial seagoing vessels.'
Jon Bjorn Skulason, head of Icelandic New Energy, the venture between companies, academia and the government shepherding the process, concluded, 'For us, it was a milestone today. This ship shows that this fuel works at sea.' 'Germanischer Lloyd provided services regarding certification, plan approvals as well as consultancy on safety issues within the project. GL's experts implemented the necessary studies and research to certify the fuel cell system installed on board Elding 1. The certification comprises the assessment of the safety system, machinery components, and electrical equipment, as well as pressure testing and explosion protection. The ship's Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) consists of a fuel cell operated by compressed hydrogen providing electricity for the ship's operation.
Elding 1 is well suited for whale watching. With its two viewing levels and the third deck, the boat allows all passengers to watch the whales in their natural habitats. The intention is to shut down the main engine when the boat has met with whales at sea and allow passengers to see and hear the animals in ever closer encounters with. This is an experience which vessel owner Vignir Sigursveinsson said had been marred in the past by the rumble of a diesel auxiliary engine below. 'When we have the hydrogen machine, the boat will be completely soundless, which will make it a great experience of seeing the whales in their natural habitat', he said.
http://www.maritimejournal.com/archive/ ... le_watcher