Ballard Power Systems (NASDAQ: BLDP) (TSX: BLDP) today announced signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with ABB to undertake collaboration activities toward the development of megawatt scale proton exchange membrane fuel cell power systems for the marine market, with an initial focus on the cruise ship segment.

ABB also announced the MOU today at the Electric & Hybrid Marine World Expo 2018, being held in Amsterdam, The Netherlands (http://www.electricandhybridmarineworldexpo.com/en/).  

Rob Campbell, Ballard’s Chief Commercial Officer said, “This MOU is a significant next step in our ongoing relationship with ABB, the innovative market leader in marine solutions. The rapidly evolving marine market represents an exciting growth opportunity for zero-emission fuel cell technology. And, Ballard’s prior development and deployment of megawatt-scale containerized PEM fuel cell systems for land-based use gives us the critical experience and knowledge to collaborate effectively on the development of clean energy solutions for key marine market applications.”

“Hydrogen fuel cells are at the forefront of zero-emission technologies for shipping,” said Juha Koskela, Managing Director, ABB Marine & Ports. “We look forward to working with Ballard Power Systems on the next-generation fuel cell technology, in line with our commitment to equip the marine industry with electric, digital and connected solutions that maximize the full potential of vessels and enable a safe, efficient and sustainable maritime industry.”

Reduction of pollutants and carbon emissions is a high-priority for the marine industry. Regulations to restrict diesel emissions are being introduced at the local and regional levels in various parts of the world, and this is generating interest in zero-emission fuel cell technology.

Limiting greenhouse gas emissions through the use of hydrogen fuel cells is of particular interest in port cities, where significant multi-mode transportation opportunities exist to share centralized hydrogen fueling infrastructure. This includes the presence of marine vessels, drayage trucks, trains, forklift trucks, and other transport vehicles at a single port facility.

In addition, earlier this year the United Nations International Maritime Organization (IMO) announced a strategy to reduce GHG emissions from ships – including a 50% reduction in GHGs by 2050, compared to 2008 levels, and complete elimination of GHG’s as soon as possible in this century.  

The multi-year collaboration between Ballard and ABB will include joint market development activities, systems design and development work, as well as systems testing and validation activities. The goal will be development of commercial ready MW-scale containerized PEM fuel cell power systems for the marine market, with an initial focus on the cruise ship segment. These systems could be used in a variety of ways, including provision of power for hotel operations while cruise ships are docked at port as well as the provision of primary propulsion power when ships are at sea.

To the shipping industry, ABB offers an extensive portfolio of integrated marine systems and solutions that improve flexibility, reliability and energy efficiency of vessels.

About ABB

ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a pioneering technology leader in electrification products, robotics and motion, industrial automation and power grids, serving customers in utilities, industry and transport & infrastructure globally. Continuing a history of innovation spanning more than 130 years, ABB today is writing the future of industrial digitalization with two clear value propositions: bringing electricity from any power plant to any plug and automating industries from natural resources to finished products. As title partner of Formula E, the fully electric international FIA motorsport class, ABB is pushing the boundaries of e-mobility to contribute to a sustainable future. ABB operates in more than 100 countries with about 135,000 employees.

About Ballard Power Systems

Ballard Power Systems  provides clean energy products that reduce customer costs and risks, and helps customers solve difficult technical and business challenges in their fuel cell programs.