Barcelona, Spain | November 25, 2025 – Methanol Reformer, a Catalan company, is set to deliver its e-Nomad system—Europe’s first autonomous e-methanol power generation container—to Spain’s leading ferry operator, Baleària. The innovative system will be installed on Baleària’s electric ferry, Cap de Barbaria, which operates the sensitive route between Eivissa and Formentera.
The ‘e-Nomad’ System: Methanol-to-Hydrogen Onboard
This project is not just about using e-methanol; it is about fuel transformation at sea. The e-Nomad container will generate electricity using a two-step process:
- Reforming: Producing high-purity hydrogen H2 from bunkered e-methanol (a process known as methanol reforming).
- Conversion: Feeding the produced hydrogen into a fuel cell to generate auxiliary electricity.
This solution leverages e-methanol’s superior handling and storage properties (liquid at ambient conditions) to overcome the major logistical hurdles associated with bunkering and storing gaseous H2 onboard in a compact space.
Javier Torres, Managing Director of Methanol Reformer, states: “This initiative demonstrates how technological innovation can transform maritime mobility, boost energy efficiency, and accelerate the decarbonization of short-distance transport.”
Technical Validation and Modular Design
The e-Nomad system has successfully undergone technical verification and the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) at Methanol Reformer’s facilities, confirming its readiness for immediate commissioning on the Cap de Barbaria.
The system’s modular, compact, and autonomous design makes it highly versatile for integration into both existing vessels and new builds. The containerized format is key to rapid deployment and scalability across a fleet of short-distance vessels.
Fuel Cell Integration and Efficiency
The electricity generated by the fuel cell will serve a critical function: supporting battery charging and reducing the necessity of running conventional diesel generators. This significantly lowers overall fuel consumption and localized emissions in port and at sea, effectively turning the vessel into a real-life testbed for renewable hydrogen generation under operational conditions.
The technology is built on proven components, incorporating the L18 hydrogen generator manufactured by Methanol Reformer under license from the U.S. company Element 1®, in collaboration with E1 Marine for specialized maritime applications, ensuring high standards of reliability and safety.
The Cap de Barbaria: An Operational Laboratory
Baleària’s decision to trial the technology on the Cap de Barbaria positions the company as the first ferry operator in Europe to undertake this specific integration. The vessel is now an operational laboratory for:
- Renewable Hydrogen Validation: Gaining real-world data on the safety and performance of onboard hydrogen generation.
- Energy Management Optimization: Understanding how the H2 fuel cell system interacts with the vessel’s existing battery and power management systems.
- Decarbonization Pathway: Validating e-methanol as a flexible energy vector to achieve zero-emission navigation in the sensitive Mediterranean environment.
Javier Cervera, Corporate Director of Institutional Relations & Energy Transition at Baleària, explains the strategic intent: “This compact system allows us to have a small-scale green hydrogen experimental laboratory in a real operational environment… We continue to be pioneers, testing today the technologies that will make zero-emission navigation possible tomorrow.”
About Baleària
Spain’s leading maritime transport group, Baleària operates extensive routes across Spain (Balearic Islands, Canary Islands) and internationally (Morocco, U.S., Bahamas). Recognized as a sustainability benchmark, the company is deeply committed to eco-efficient mobility and pioneering the use of cleaner energy sources to advance the decarbonization of its passenger and cargo shipping operations.
About Methanol Reformer
A Catalan company specializing in sustainable energy solutions, Methanol Reformer is focused on developing and commercializing modular, autonomous technologies for hydrogen and electricity generation from renewable methanol. Their solutions target the industrial and transport sectors to accelerate the energy transition.
Source: Methanol Reformer