FREUDENBERG E-POWER SYSTEMS Fuel cell expertise Implementing a fuel cell system in an efficient manner requires partners with proven technologies and experience WORDS: FREDERIC MOERIS Development of fuel cell and other clean energy solutions will be fundamental to the decarbonization of the maritime sector t the beginning of 2019, the cruise industry was experiencing a record number of sales with no signs of slowing down. Then the global pandemic hit, initiating an industry-wide shutdown of cruise lines that put travel plans on hold for millions of people around the world. In 2023, however, the number of passengers setting sail was forecast to reach 31.5 million – surpassing pre-pandemic records. This rebound is certainly a welcome sign for the economy and the travel industry. However, the same cannot be said for environmentalists worried about the considerable greenhouse gas emissions produced by vessels in this sector. The maritime industry is known to account for nearly 3% of all global greenhouse gas emissions released into the atmosphere each year. Furthermore, studies suggest that, on average, a cruise ship passenger’s carbon footprint triples during voyages. This negative impact on the environment has brought the industry under intense scrutiny as political, business and scientific leaders seek ways to A reduce carbon emissions. That is why the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has announced stricter rules and regulations for marine emissions, which those in cruising and ferrying must comply with — and quickly. The plan calls for increasingly reducing emissions and achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The marine industry’s success in achieving zero emissions will largely depend on forward-looking organizations, such as Freudenberg e-Power Systems (FEPS), continuing to invest in research and development for new energy technologies to deliver tomorrow’s solutions today. The compass To properly address the challenges facing cruise lines and freight ahead of the looming IMO regulations, it is important to understand the unique architecture of large ships. The lifespan of vessels is significantly longer than most modes of transportation. On average, ships are in operation for 30 years, which is more than double the life of passenger vehicles on the road today. What this means is ships designed 15, or even 10, years ago still have a great deal of longevity to sail, and they have very likely not been 56 // January 2024 // ElectricHybridMarineTechnology.com