CAPTN-Energy- thyssenkrupp Marine Systems drives green marine technology forward
Climate protection is the topic of our time. At thyssenkrupp Marine Systems we want to make the maritime sector greener. Together with our project partners we are researching the use of fuel cells in civil shipbuilding in the CAPTN-Energy project.
CAPTN-Energy - a new superhero?
The research project of the Kiel initiative "CAPTN - Clean Autonomous Public Transport Network" aims to lay the foundations for environmentally friendly shipping in Schleswig-Holstein. In order to ensure environmentally friendly shipping in the region, incentives for switching to zero-emission ship propulsion systems and the necessary infrastructure must first be developed. One focus here is on the generation and storage of renewable energies - electricity, hydrogen or methanol - as well as ensuring a trouble-free supply chain.
Together with the partners at Christian Albrecht University and Kiel University of Applied Sciences, experts from thyssenkrupp Marine Systems were able to develop an innovation concept for implementation in an initial phase by the end of November 2021.
thyssenkrupp Marine Systems supports the project with its many years of expertise in the field of maritime fuel cell propulsion systems and has been part of the initiative, which has brought together more than 50 partners from science, associations, politics, society and companies, since the very beginning.
"The CAPTN-Energy initiative has given us a good option for developing and launching innovative and practicable solutions for the use and provision of renewable energies for maritime applications," explains Marion Ballach, Research & Development Project Manager and CAPTN Energy Project Leader at thyssenkrupp Marine Systems. "In doing so, we can build on our knowledge and practical experience in hydrogen storage and reformer technology."
CAPTN-Energy in practice
Together with our partners at Kiel University and University of Applied Sciences, we have developed an innovation concept for this purpose. To implement this concept, we have been receiving funding from the federal budget since 1.1.2023. A total of 8 million euros will be available until 2025 for strategic development and innovative R&D projects.
But how exactly can we revolutionize shipping with these modern energy sources and energy concepts? The answer lies in fuel cell technology.
Today, fuel cells are primarily used in areas where the use of classic combustion-based generators is not possible or only possible to a limited extent. The automotive industry has also discovered the fuel cell for itself. Especially in transport logistics, where range and effective energy management play a major role, the fuel cell is said to have high potential.
In a fuel cell, electricity is generated using hydrogen and oxygen, which is then immediately available for use or for storage. In addition to hydrogen, butane, methanol, or natural gas can also be used as energy sources to generate electricity. The waste heat generated during electricity production can also be used. The fuel cell is thus a very efficient power generator that can safely provide regenerative energy for mobile and stationary use.
A green outlook
Thus, by using renewable energies and transforming our fuel cell technology from military to civilian applications, we at thyssenkrupp Marine Systems can not only assume corporate responsibility but also apply our capabilities in areas other than our core business. This is because highly efficient and reliable fuel cells offer an attractive incentive for civilian shipping to switch to regenerative propulsion systems. Initial collaborations with shipping companies on low-emission operation of river cruise ships are already underway.
With our investment in a new fuel cell production facility, we are positioning ourselves for the future. From January 2024, our Kiel site will not only manufacture fuel cells for submarines but also fuel cells for civilian maritime use.
In addition to fuel cells for submarines, thyssenkrupp Marine Systems will also produce fuel cells for civilian maritime use in the future.
Together with our partners, we at thyssenkrupp Marine Systems want to drive forward the energy transition in the maritime sector and the implementation of innovative projects in the field of zero-emission propulsion systems. For our future and our planet.