PowerCell Group has officially joined the GAMMA project, a significant initiative funded by Horizon Europe with a budget of €17 million, aimed at promoting the decarbonization of deep-sea shipping. This project, which involves 16 European partners, seeks to retrofit a 60,000 DWT bulk carrier from the TOPIC Fleet, transforming it into a demonstration vessel that utilizes climate-neutral fuels and fuel cell technology.

The GAMMA project, which stands for Green Ammonia and Biomethanol fuel Maritime Vessels, is designed to showcase how hydrogen-based fuel cell systems can effectively replace traditional fossil fuel auxiliary generators on large ocean-going vessels. PowerCell’s role in this endeavor includes providing a 1 MW class fuel cell power system that will generate hydrogen onboard from green methanol and ammonia. This innovative approach aims to establish a reliable source of electrical power for maritime applications.

The integration of PowerCell’s fuel cell system into the vessel’s auxiliary power architecture will allow for real-world testing under the challenging conditions of deep-sea environments. This practical application is crucial for validating the performance, safety, and durability of the technology, as well as its integration into existing maritime systems.

Richard Berkling, CEO of PowerCell Group, emphasized the importance of this project, stating, “This project represents exactly the type of industrial learning that the maritime sector needs right now. GAMMA allows us to move beyond theoretical studies and demonstrate how fuel cells, hydrogen carriers, and onboard reforming can work together in a commercial vessel. That operational experience is what will ultimately de-risk adoption and unlock large-scale deployment.”

The GAMMA project underscores a broader trend in the shipping industry, where the push for decarbonization is becoming increasingly urgent. As global regulations tighten around emissions, the need for innovative solutions such as hydrogen fuel cells is more pressing than ever. While batteries have been a popular alternative for reducing emissions, the scale and operational demands of deep-sea shipping require more robust solutions, which is where projects like GAMMA come into play.

By demonstrating the feasibility of hydrogen-based systems in real maritime operations, the GAMMA project aims to pave the way for a greener future in shipping, potentially transforming how the industry approaches fuel and power generation in the years to come.