DFDS enters partnership to develop fuel cell ferry

Ferry operator DFDS and a group of other Danish companies are developing a hydrogen fuel cell-powered ferry that emits only water.

The companies are also seeking funding from the EU Innovation Fund to support the proposed ferry between Oslo and Copenhagen, which could launch by 2027.

The ferry will adopt fuel cell technology that generates electricity from hydrogen produced from offshore wind and oxygen from the air.

It would be the first ferry of its kind in the world and will generate up to 23MW, compared with current fuel cells rated at 1-5KW.

Zero-emissions ferries are part of the company's ambitions to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 45.1pc by 2030. Earlier this year, it also announced plans to replace 10-15pc of the heavy fuel oil it consumes with methanol.

The ferry will be named Europa Seaways and is designed for 1,800 passengers and up to 120 lorries or 380 cars.

By Nana Kutin