Harnessing hydrogen power for world-first coastal-class research vessel

Ballard Power Systems has partnered up with marine engineering firm, Glosten, and electrical integrator, Siemens Energy, to collaborate as key equipment vendors on the design and build of what will be the world’s first hydrogen-hybrid research vessel.

Currently in the preliminary phase of design, the hybrid coastal-class research vessel (CCRV) will eventually be delivered to the University of California San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography and will provide the essential components of the zero-emission propulsion system – extending an engineering partnership between Glosten and Scripps that stretches over 60 years.

Ballard is responsible for the supply of the fuel cell engine that will power the vessel, while project partner Chart Industries provides the cryogenic tank and fuel gas system which will store the liquid hydrogen fuel for bunkering and conditioning the Ballard fuel cells.

Bringing these technical and design elements together will allow effective and efficient decarbonized operation of the CCRV, aiding the university in meeting its zero-emission goals for clean operations during the important investigative and research work they undertake regularly along the coast of California – complying with local air resource regulations and setting the standard for innovation in this space globally.

This is the latest industry-first that Ballard has been involved with in the marine segment, following the commissioning of the DNV and Lloyd’s Register Type Approved MF Hydra for leading ferry and express boat operator, Norled, which enjoyed its maiden voyage in April 2023.