Proton's hybrid hits water

A boat part-driven by fuel cells that can carry up to 100 passengers on three-day trips has been launched in Germany.

Proton Power Systems, a developer of fuel cells and fuel cell hybrid systems, claims it is a first.

The Zemship (Zero Emission Ship), based in Hamburg, runs on a hybrid unit integrating two 48kW fuel cell systems and a lead gel battery. An intelligent energy management system co-ordinates the output of power between the fuel cells and the battery to give twice the fuel efficiency of a standard ship diesel engine.

The hybrid system was designed to make the boat more fuel efficient, less polluting and quieter. The boat uses up to 50kg of gaseous hydrogen stored in onboard tanks, which provides enough fuel for three days' use.

The EU is investing €2.4m (£1.9m) in the boat's development and operation until 2010. After a test operation the operator will gradually take it into commercial service next month.

The project, which began in November 2006, has been co-ordinated by the city of Hamburg and has the support of eight other partners in addition to subsidiary Proton Motor Fuel Cell.

The company claims this marks the first use of fuel cell systems in marine passenger transport. Fuel cell systems of equivalent performance level in maritime applications have only been realised for military submarines.

'There are not so many fuel cell developers and producers in the world who can handle these larger size applications,' said Joachim Kroemer, Proton Power Systems sales director.