A significant milestone was recently reached with the prototype design of the marine fuel cell unit, the MFCU, as well as its integration into the novel energy system using methanol fuel successfully passing its safety testing, and the safety assessment successfully completed with DNV.

In the last year, extensive trialling of the novel systems developed has been able to provide valuable insights into the suitability and the challenges of hybrid powertrains with fuel cells.

In particular, significant experience has been gained on how hydrogen for fuel cells, in the form of methanol, can be safely and efficiently stored and handled on ships. The tests and trials on the RiverCell demonstrator have already been able to successfully demonstrate the high potential of the concept to minimise the environmental impact of energy production in a safe and practical way for shipping. The experience gained throughout the project is being contributed to the ongoing development of rules for fuel cell installations and storage of methanol fuel on inland waterway ships within the working group of CESNI/PT.