Bloom’s Fuel Cells Provide Highly Efficient Power Generation for the Marine Ecosystem — and Now Have ABS Type Approval

As international shipping operators race to cut greenhouse gas emissions, efficient forms of power generation have become a high priority.

Bloom Energy is poised to meet that need: The American Bureau of Shipping(ABS) has approved Bloom Energy's 65kW Marine Power Module for use on board ships.

This makes Bloom's Power Module the first solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) to receive Type Approvalfor marine use, which means it has been tested and approved for use on board ships, including cruise ships, LNG carriers, and long-distance cargo ships.

SOFC technology is more efficient than traditional marine power sources and provides the lowest-emissions power generation for the marine ecosystem. With fuel cell power, marine operators can more easily meet stringent carbon emissions guidelines while reducing fuel usage, lowering long-term costs, and increasing reliability.

The decarbonization imperative

Shipping operators are under pressure because the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including a net-zero emissions target by around 2050.With most ships having an operational lifespan of 20-30 years, ships being built today will likely still be operating in 2050. In other words, emissions reduction is an immediate concern.

To meet these targets, operators must begin deploying more efficient power generation wherever possible. Fuel cells are a leading technology to help them do just that. A 2024 study by Maerskfound that "fuel cells could reduce both onboard fuel demand and the resulting greenhouse gas emissions," and that "shipowners or operators may be able to affordably improve their assets' environmental profile by phasing in fuel cells."

Fuel cells are robust and reliable, with very few moving parts, and can be deployed without significant design modifications beyond what is already being contemplated in the shift to alternative fuels, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG). What's more, LNG, when vaporized to natural gas, is the primary fuel used by Bloom's SOFC modules. In other words, fuel cell technology can be deployed in new or existing ships today.

Bloom's fuel cells are marine-ready today

With ABS Type Approval, Bloom's Power Module is available for use in marine environments immediately. The fuel cell containers (shown above) have been modified with structural enhancements to handle the vibrations and tilting expected in the marine environment and were extensively tested to ensure they can withstand marine conditions.

The approval reflects a rigorous 3-year process including design assessment, prototype testing, ISO 9001 certification, and a manufacturing assessment.

Bloom fuel cells have also been proven in real-world applications. They have already shown significant benefitson a luxury cruise ship, the MSC World Europa, where a 150kW solid oxide fuel cell platform from Bloom using LNG has been supplying auxiliary power to the ship while in port. The Bloom fuel cells delivered 60% electrical efficiency and a 30% reduction in carbon emissions.

Additionally, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and Samsung Heavy Industries have also announced plansto install a 300kW SOFC system from Bloom on a 174,000 LNG carrier to be delivered in 2027.

An immediate increase in efficiency

Bloom fuel cells use natural gas derived from LNG to generate power with 53% electrical conversion efficiency, enabling an immediate carbon footprint reduction of 30% to 40% compared to existing diesel or LNG generators.

SOFCs can also be configured to capture waste heat, which is then used for heating or cooling aboard the ship. In that case, the efficiency can reach an unprecedented 90%.

Bloom power modules come in 65kW cabinets that are modular, redundant, scalable, and robust. Bloom's Marine Power Module is ideal for auxiliary or hotel loads and is equally suitable for new builds or retrofits. Like building blocks, designers can add as many modules as needed to configure the exact capacity they want. Individual power modules can be replaced on-the-fly (hot swapped) while the system is operational, without having to power down and power back up other power modules in the system.

Bloom's technology is proven and reliable, with over a decade of experience in operating fuel cells in microgrids or islanded environments, and Bloom currently has more than 1.5GW of fuel cell generation deployed globally.

The total cost of ownership (TCO) for Bloom fuel cells is competitive. Including the cost of fuel, CapEx, OpEx, and the price of carbon emissions, the payback period for Bloom SOFC systems aboard vessels is 5-6 years - just a fraction of the vessel's expected two- or three-decade lifespan.

SOFC is a clear front-runner

For achieving IMO emissions guidelines and accelerating the decarbonization journey, SOFC fuel cells have clear advantages. With ABS Type Approval, few moving parts, a redundant and scalable architecture, and market-leading efficiency, fuel cells are a leading contender for fleet owners and operators.

Bloom's Marine Power Module is the only SOFC to have ABS Type Approval and is available today.

For more information, visit Bloom Energy's website.