The scope of this topic is to address remaining technological challenges beyond TRL4, specifically focusing on the development, design, and demonstration in a real environment of a robust SOFC system. Proposals should focus on innovations in components, system engineering, and integration techniques which enhance the durability and efficiency of SOFCs, the installation and operation onboard of waterborne vessels. The intention is to develop a SOFC based building block for future higher power and long-lasting SOFC modules eventually leading to multi-MW SOFC systems for maritime applications in multi-fuel operational mode. Furthermore, the project will tackle the regulatory landscape, supporting policymakers through the development of standards and guidelines that facilitate the integration of SOFCs into maritime vessels.

Proposals should address the following elements:

• Design and manufacturing of a minimum 100 kW SOFC system, specifically designed to operate with multiple fuels and at ambient aggressive conditions typical of a ship machinery space capable of operating when subject to vibrations, shock and tilting of +/- 22.5 degrees in all directions and work in an environment with marine aerosol and at temperature and humidity conditions typical of a waterborne vessel;
• Design the system as a building block for a MW scale power system, designed for propulsion, hotel load or both, aiming at a comparable installation footprint to a 1 MW PEMFC for the same application, and in any case optimising the spatial footprint considering safe and effective operation and ease of maintenance;
• Improved durability and efficiency of SOFC system in maritime conditions, addressing common challenges such as corrosion, vibration, aggressive environmental conditions (reduced temperature and increased humidity) and saltwater mist exposure;
• Improvement in the design of control system to follow the load in maritime applications and for increased numbers of start and stops. Modelling the SOFC system with special attention to energy efficiency, dynamic load, and heat balance, as well as emissions for various alternative fuels;
• Testing for validation the SOFC system under simulated maritime conditions (experimental lab validation and/or hardware in the loop modelling validation), including mechanical vibrations, tilting, salt mist exposure, and temperature/humidity variations, to ensure safe and reliable operation onboard;
• Testing of the SOFC system performance with each proposed fuel and over at least 1000 hours total with one or successively two fuels, in relevant environment, providing power, in a fuel cell/battery hybrid arrangement, following the load profile representative of a real maritime application;
• Developing, quantifying and validating degradation mitigation strategies for the >100 kW system.
• Feasibility study of a scalable, MW scale SOFC system for maritime use with design of BoP components, considering at least those related to heat management/balance and fuel processing (internal and/or external reforming or cracking), including improvement in design, maximise lifetime, reliability and availability and simplify the maintenance and repair;
• Carrying out Techno-economic and sustainability assessments by using LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) and LCC (Life Cycle Costing) documenting the environmental and economic viability of the selected fuels and their compatibility with SOFCs and considering the circularity of materials and end-of-life aspects.
• Define all the specifications and set out the process to achieve classification requirements, including reliability and operational safety in marine environments, and to develop specific training and skill developments models.

The consortium should include stakeholders from across the value chain, including FC manufacturers or integrators, shipbuilders and/or designers, maritime operators, research institutions, classification societies and regulatory bodies, to ensure comprehensive industry insights and facilitate market adoption.

Multi-fuel mode can be included but is not exclusively aimed at green hydrogen derived fuels containing carbon (such as e.g. methanol or methane). At least one fuel should be fully decarbonised, such as hydrogen or ammonia.

Applicants are expected to demonstrate how they will work in synergies with the relevant projects and initiatives supported by the Zero Emission Waterborne Partnership including but not only the Helenus project. Applicants should also consider the experiences and learning of other relevant projects like Fuelsome and ShipFC projects (this last one supported by the Clean Hydrogen JU).

Proposals are expected to demonstrate the contribution to EU competitiveness and industrial leadership of the activities to be funded including but not limited to the origin of the equipment and components as well infrastructure purchased and built during the project. These aspects will be evaluated and monitored during the project implementation.

Furthermore, proposals are expected to explain the contribution of their objectives, results, IP management and exploitation strategy to the EU Maritime Industrial Strategy and the Net-Zero Industrial Act with a particular aim to enhance the EU’s R&I capacity, technological know-how capabilities and human capital, and resilience of the EU industrial and manufacturing base. In addition, proposals are encouraged to include synergies with EU and EEA shipyards, equipment manufacturers and providers, including start-ups and SMEs as relevant.

For activities developing test protocols and procedures for the performance and durability assessment of fuel cell components proposals should foresee a collaboration mechanism with JRC (see section 2.2.4.3 “Collaboration with JRC”), in order to support EU-wide harmonisation. Test activities should adopt the already published EU harmonised testing protocols to benchmark performance and quantify progress at programme level.