Proton Power gets pilot order from shipbuilder Fincantieri

Fuel cell and electric-hybrid systems developer and producer Proton Power Systems has agreed with shipbuilding giant Fincantieri to provide a 38 kW fourth generation fuel cell, it announced on Monday.

The AIM-traded firm said the purpose of the order would be to validate it as a pilot project for one of Fincantieri’s vessels.

It said the order included a feasibility study for the integration into the first ship, and other potential collaborations.

“This is excellent news,” said chief executive officer Faiz Nahab.

“With Proton having been the world's first fuel cell system provider that has powered a ferry in Hamburg for six years between 2009 and 2014 with a 50 kW fuel cell system, this is a great opportunity to enter the maritime market at the ship building stage.”

At 1501 GMT, shares in Proton Power were up 8.93% at 22.88p.