Fuel cell system onboard vessel © VINSSEN
VINSSEN has received project-based approval from Bureau Veritas (BV) for its hydrogen fuel cell system designed for use onboard maritime applications.
The 60kW PEM fuel cell system encompasses a fuel cell module, an integrated converter module, a battery system and a transformer. In addition, VINSSEN incorporated a user interface for easy control by operators.
The approval is based on a trial being carried out in Singapore in collaboration with Shell Singapore, the project sponsor; Seatrium Limited, project developer; Penguin International Limited, trial vessel owner and operator; and Air Liquide Singapore, hydrogen expert and provider.
A statement released by VINSSEN explained that the confirmation of its fuel cell system is “a key step towards demonstrating the feasibility of hydrogen fuel cell systems onboard commercial vessels.”
The company’s Project Manager, Seok-Hee Lee, said, “The project was not without challenges, but these were systematically addressed through the efforts of VINSSEN’s project team and the close cooperation of our project trial partners.
“Our success represents a major step forward in offering the maritime industry further solutions to carbon neutrality via hydrogen fuel cell technology.”
Over the past year, VINSSEN has received approval in principle (AiP) certifications from the Korean Register for its 250kW and 100kW maritime fuel cell power packs.
The South Korean company also completed a Series C investment round totalling KRW 15bn ($10m), which was earmarked for product development, market expansion and recruitment of key staff members.