NextChem, a subsidiary of MAIRE, has partnered with Siemens Energy to develop a modular high-temperature methanol fuel cell system for the maritime sector. The companies have signed a memorandum of understanding to design and deliver the solution, with an initial focus on the high-end yachting sector. The goal is to expand to other areas in the maritime industry and related markets. The fuel cell system will use low-carbon methanol to generate hydrogen for onboard power, allowing vessels to operate at net-zero emissions during both anchoring and propulsion.
The partnership will see NextChem manage the design and supply of the methanol fuel cell module, while Siemens Energy will integrate the technology into shipboard systems and manage electrification and energy operations. The fuel cell system offers an alternative to marine diesel fuel, aiming to reduce emissions of nitrous and sulphur oxides. The companies plan to install the new system at an industrial scale on a flagship net-zero yacht currently under construction.
According to NextChem’s managing director, Fabio Fritelli, this technology will cover the entire value chain of low-carbon methanol, delivering best-in-class production technologies and unlocking additional methanol uses. Siemens Energy’s vice president, Giuseppe Sachero, highlights the unique value of collaboration between key players in the energy transition value chain, capitalizing on each other’s expertise and references in adjacent industries.
The methanol fuel cell module has potential applications beyond the yachting market, including backup and baseload solutions for data centers, industrial processes, remote locations, and off-grid installations. The partnership between NextChem and Siemens Energy demonstrates the growing trend towards clean fuels and net-zero emissions in the maritime industry. As the industry continues to evolve, collaborations like this one will play a crucial role in driving innovation and reducing environmental impact.
The development of the methanol fuel cell system is part of a broader effort to reduce emissions in the maritime sector. With the shipping industry accounting for a significant portion of global emissions, companies like NextChem and Siemens Energy are working to develop sustainable solutions. The use of low-carbon methanol as a source of hydrogen for onboard power is a promising approach, and the modular design of the fuel cell system makes it an attractive option for a range of applications. As the industry moves towards a more sustainable future, partnerships like this one will be essential for driving progress and achieving net-zero emissions.