Spanish ferry operator Balearia will soon test Europe's first autonomous e-methanol power generation unit in its electric vessel, the Cap de Barbaria (IMO: 9967196).
According to Balearia, the e-methanol unit (called the eNomad system) is a pilot project expected to transform the Cap de Barbaria into an "experimental hydrogen laboratory", the ferry company said.
Developed by Catalan sustainable energy firm Methanol Reformer, the eNomad system helps store methanol and convert it into hydrogen, used to power the Ro-Ro ferry.
Balearia has said that the use of the eNomad system is an important step towards decarbonisation in the field of short-distance maritime transport.
This green hydrogen will be used to power a fuel cell and produce auxiliary electricity, which is expected to support battery recharging and reduce the burden on conventional generators. This is expected to reduce both fuel consumption and emissions.
The pilot test on the Cap de Barbaria, which ferries people and cargo from the famous Ibiza-Formentera route measuring about 20km, will also examine the impact of different combinations of batteries and fuel cells on the ship's electric motor.
“We are proud to be collaborating with Baleària on this project, which demonstrates how technological innovation can transform maritime mobility and contribute to a more sustainable energy future”, said Methanol Reformer CEO Javier Torres.
Notably, this Ro-Ro vessel was Spain's first electric cargo-passenger ferry with "zero emissions during port approaches and stays", which began services in 2023.
The pilot test also contributes to the overall progress of Balearia's 100 per cent electric, zero-emissions fast ferry project ecosystem, which includes a future green corridor between Tarifa and Tangier.