Hornblower places contract for fuel cells for Statue Cruises hybrid

Hydrogenics Corporation (Nasdaq:HYGS) (TSX:HYG) has received a contract from Statue Cruises, LLC, a subsidiary of Hornblower Cruises & Events for the delivery of two HyPM HD 16 fuel cell power modules delivering up to 33 kilowatts of continuous power. The 600 passenger Hornblower Hybrid, which will ferry passengers to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, will be propelled by hydrogen fuel cells in a compound hybrid arrangement that also includes wind turbines, solar panels and a tier 2 diesel engine for additional energy needs.

Hydrogenics, a leading developer and manufacturer of hydrogen generation and fuel cell products, sees the marine market as well-poised to benefit from fuel cells from both an environmental and efficiency viewpoint. When in harbor, vessels typically utilize diesel powered main engines or auxiliary power units emitting large amounts of emissions and noise into the environment. Fuel cells emit no emissions and comparatively little noise making them an ideal solution for high profile marine applications. In the case of fleets which return to a common port or base, the economic justification for hydrogen fueling stations can be compelling.

“We are proud to be providing our fuel cell products for this high profile application. Delivering our standard fuel cell power modules allows customers to rapidly deploy fuel cells in a wide variety of challenging environments,” said Daryl Wilson, President and CEO of Hydrogenics. “In addition to providing fuel cell power modules, we will support Hornblower’s U.S. Coast Guard certification process by utilizing our vast experience working with many of the leading certification bodies throughout the world,” added Wilson.

“By combining hydrogen, solar and wind power, Hornblower will minimize its environmental impact as we transport guests to popular national landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Our goal is to reduce emissions to the greatest extent possible, with a goal in the future to eliminate them entirely during a cruising day,” says Terry MacRae, CEO of Statue Cruises and Hornblower Cruises & Events. “We expect this pioneering project to inspire continued industry innovations. The technology on the Hornblower Hybrid is now scalable for other hybrid ferries, hybrid yachts and even hybrid tugs.”

Based in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, Hydrogenics has operations in North America and Europe.

March 25, 2011