Finnish research ship to test fuel cell system on Baltic Sea sailings

A new fuel cell system will be tested later this year on a research vessel operated by the Finnish Environment Institute (Suomen ympäristökeskus; SYKE).

The two diesel engines that propel the research vessel Aranda will be fitted with hydrogen-powered fuel cells developed by local chemical company Kemira with assistance from state-owned VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland.

VTT said the technology will enable Aranda‘s diesel engines to operate with reduced emissions and vibrations for brief periods, hence enabling the vessel’s crew to carry out measurements and collect samples with greater accuracy.

The system will be tested in the Baltic Sea following installation this coming summer.