Blue World Technologies successfully tested its 200 kW high-temperature PEM fuel cell module. The test was completed at the newly established test facilities in connection to the Blue Aalborg Factory, where the fuel cells for the system are produced.

With an electrical efficiency of up to 55% when reaching a commercial stage, the fuel cell system will typically provide a fuel saving of 20-30% which enables a cost-efficient use of green fuels. Additionally, the fuel cell system allows for up to 100% carbon capture for both utilisation in green fuel production and for storage.

This is a major breakthrough within maritime decarbonization and with the test of our 200kW system, we are proving that the HT PEM fuel cell technology has the potential of being one of the key technologies to decarbonise the hard-to-abate sectors. During the test period, we successfully validated our system setup with the methanol fuel processor, the series connection of the fuel cell stacks, as well as the balance of plant components surrounding the fuel cells.

—Dennis Naldal Jensen, Chief Technology Officer at Blue World Technologies

The first pilot system is a 1 MW system for onboard power production. The system will be installed on one of A.P. Moller - Maersk’s large dual fuel-enabled methanol vessels and the installation on board is expected during H1 2026.

The order for the pilot system was followed by a venture investment by Maersk Growth—the venture arm of A.P. Moller - Maersk—where they at the end of 2023 participated in a €11-million pre-C-round alongside The Export and Investment Fund of Denmark (EIFO), Cycle Group, and other new and existing shareholders.

Blue World will initially supply systems for auxiliary power and expects that their maritime system will reach a commercial level in 2027. Eventually, the company will proceed to supply multi-megawatt propulsion systems for global shipping, which is where the fuel cell technology will provide the greatest impact on both the environment and climate.

The Blue World maritime system is scalable, first aiming to replace conventional fossil-based gensets, but later also provided as large multi-megawatt fuel cell-based propulsion systems.

Rendering of Blue World’s 1 MW pilot system including 5 x 200 kW fuel cell modules

The system is built with a modular approach, allowing for fuel cell power systems as containerised solutions on deck or integrated on the ship.

When powered by renewable methanol, the system has a net-zero operation. The fuel cell system is ready for carbon capture, allowing for CO₂ to be recycled or storage. With no NO_x, SO_x, or particle emissions, the fuel cell system does not emit any air pollution.