The Navig8 Group is the latest shipowner to forge a pact with a fuel-cell developer aimed at producing a prototype vessel with reduced carbon emissions.

Navig8 has entered a cooperative agreement with Doosan Fuel Cell Co to develop a propulsion system to comply with International Maritime Organization timelines for reduction of greenhouse gases.

“We are excited to bring our expertise to this important initiative and to pioneer an enhanced energy efficiency solution. We look forward to working with the shipping industry, as the industry strives towards decarbonisation,” Navig8 chairman Gary Brocklesby told TradeWinds.

“Doosan's extensive engineering and fuel cell experience have made them the natural partner for Navig8, as we take this collective step towards a greener maritime industry."

Navig8 owns, operates or manages a fleet of more than 150 oil or chemical tankers and is the world’s largest independently owned tanker pooling operator.

Doosan has developed proprietary technology aimed at introducing the world’s first commercial fuel cell system. It is part of the Doosan Group, the South Korean multinational conglomerate.

Accelerating development

“We believe that the cooperation with Navig8, who maintains extensive knowledge of the shipping industry and a strong presence within the maritime community, will drastically accelerate the development and commercialisation of a marine fuel cell system,” said Yoo Soo-kyung, Doosan Fuel Cell CEO.

Doosan said it is at an advanced stage of feasibility studies with an aim to progress toward a prototype.

No specific vessel has been targeted to pilot at this stage, the partners said, but LNG fuel is likely to be the fuel of choice in the first phase of development, with next stages incorporating ammonia and hydrogen.

The goal is to allow vessels to “easily comply” with emissions guidelines set by the IMO, including a 40% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030, and 70% reduction in carbon and 50% in greenhouse gases by 2050.

“Most importantly, the venture will endeavor to exceed these targets and works towards a zero carbon emission goal,” the partners said.

Shipowners like GasLog and Odfjell are among the growing group of owners who have said they are exploring fuel cell technology in recent months.

The IMO this week passed a historic agreement to reduce shipping’s carbon emissions by 2030, requiring the world’s existing fleet to match the efficiency standards of newbuildings.