Project description
First-of-its-kind hydrogen-powered engine could soon break into the shipping market
To reduce its environmental impact, the shipping sector aims to cut its emissions by at least 50 % by 2050 compared with their level in 2008. Germany-based company FUELSAVE GmbH has unveiled hydrogen-powered engine technology called FS MARINE+ that helps reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The customisable unit, which can be installed in any vessel, produces a proprietary synthetic gas that is injected into a ship engine to significantly improve combustion efficiency. With the help of the EU-funded FUELSAVE project, the company now aims to commercialise this innovative technology. The target was to sell 379 units and earn EUR 181 million in revenue by 2021.
Objective
FS MARINE+ is the world's first hydrogen-powered engine assistant unit for ships. The patented hydrogen generator produces a proprietary synthetic gas that is injected into a ship's engines to significantly improve combustion efficiency.
FS MARINE+ has been proven to reduce net fuel consumption by at least 10%, cut carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by at least 10%, cut nitrogen oxide (NOX) emissions by at least 50%, and save at least 33% on engine maintenance costs.
The customizable unit can be installed on any vessel, and the cost amortized within three years. This makes FS MARINE+ the most viable technology for overcoming the shipping sector’s environmental and economic challenges. Regulations require ships to reduce CO2 by 10% every five years. Struggling operators must cut fuel costs, which make up 50-60% of expenses.
For an average ship, FS MARINE+ will save €2.9M in fuel and maintenance costs and prevent 19,200 tonnes of CO2 over 10 years. The company offers ROI-based pricing and build-lease-transfer options to make it accessible even for cash-restricted shipping companies.
As a pioneering technology innovation, FS MARINE+ has no direct competition and is protected by two patents. Indirect competition comes from energy efficiency and pollution abatement methods that have inferior outcomes.
There are 50,442 seagoing vessels worldwide, and 16,500 inland vessels registered in Europe. 50% are viable for FS MARINE+. This creates a total reachable market size of €28.1 billion. The company aims to sell 379 units and earn €181M in revenue by 2021. Demand and willingness to pay have been demonstrated through pre-commercial test and sales agreements from 11 shipping companies with a combined fleet of 159 vessels.
FS MARINE+ is the innovation of FUELSAVE GmbH, a German engineering company founded in 2012. It is now applying for Horizon 2020 Phase 2 to commercialize and roll out its beneficial innovation across European markets.
Fields of science
- engineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringair pollution engineering
- natural sciencesearth and related environmental sciencesenvironmental sciencespollution
- natural scienceschemical sciencesorganic chemistryalcohols
- engineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringenergy and fuels
- natural sciencesearth and related environmental sciencesatmospheric sciencesclimatologyclimatic changes
Programme(s)
- H2020-EU.3.3. - SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Secure, clean and efficient energy Main Programme
- H2020-EU.2.1.1. - INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Leadership in enabling and industrial technologies - Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
- H2020-EU.2.3.1. - Mainstreaming SME support, especially through a dedicated instrument
Funding Scheme
SME-2 - SME instrument phase 2Coordinator
69190 Walldorf
Germany
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.