Use cases
MARINER will demonstrate the techno-economic feasibility of the modular fuel cell system on two use cases respectively focused on the tanker and ferry applications, brought by our fleet operating partners.
Tanker STI Comandante, operated by SCORPIO
The challenge: SCORPIO operates a diverse fleet with continuous, long duration voyages in large shipping segments, such as tankers and bulk carriers. It is critical to ensure operational reliability while meeting stringent emissions regulations, especially under stable yet high load demands.
The ship: The STI Comandante is a Handymax tanker that operates continuously, mainly in the Baltic region, between UK and continent and in Mediterranean Sea. The ship is 184 meters long and reaches a speed of 14,5 knots. Its load ranges from 400 to 2200 kW.
This use case will enable to:
- Evaluate the integration of the MARINER 1 MW PEM fuel cell system under prolonged maritime duty cycles
- Validate compatibility with existing shipboard power distribution and safety standards
- Quantify economic and environmental impacts, which will feed the roadmap towards TRL 9 and the multi-MW scale
- Enhance stakeholder confidence in hydrogen-based solutions for mainstream commercial shipping
Ferry HSC Super Runner Jet operated by KIARA
The challenge: KIARA operates high-speed passenger ferries with short, frequent routes, rapid acceleration, and frequent port stops. Achieving reliable transient load response and optimizing efficiency under fluctuating demand is an important challenge. Evaluating safety considerations for passenger ferries and ensuring the social license to operate will be key.
The ship: HSC Super Runner Jet is high-speed monohull ferry with service speed of 35 knots and a top speed of 40 knots. Long 100.3 meters, it has a total output of 27,500 kW, a capacity for 710 passengers, 120 cars, and 4 buses.
It performs frequent short-to-medium routes in the Mediterranean area between Rafina and Mykonos, a typical Aegean island crossing profile with moderate distances and port infrastructure.
This use case will enable to:
- Evaluate the MARINER fuel cell system’s dynamic performance under high-load variability
- Assess resilience to harsh maritime conditions and frequent starts/stops
- Integrate user feedback to refine operational guidelines and regulatory compliance
- Evaluate the reliability of operation for highspeed ferries
- Feed the roadmap for integrating fuel cells in short-route passenger shipping
