ABS to collaborate in Korean H2-fuel cell vessel design project

The design is for a small, 40-seat tourist vessel for tourism. While no information about the type of fuel cell or the hydrogen containment system has been provided, The Motorship notes other larger PEM fuel cells powered vessel have been built to ABS class, such as Glosten’s recent hydrogen fuel cell powered research vessel. The Motorship reported on ABS’ participation in a liquid hydrogen containment system development project in Europe in August.

The zero-emission vessel qualifies as one of the research, development and demonstration (RD&D) projects associated with Korea’s national hydrogen strategy. 

“ABS is proud to explore new technologies and work together on innovative projects with knowledgeable stakeholders such as KHIA and the University of Ulsan. We look forward to supporting this hydrogen vessel project with our deep technical knowledge and regulatory expertise to enhance the safety of the maritime industry and bring about a smooth transition to clean energy,” said Vassilios Kroustallis, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Business Development.

“KHIA is very happy to commence this agreement with ABS and the University of Ulsan for the development of hydrogen ships in the future. We look forward to cooperating with ABS and University of Ulsan in various fields,” said Donghui Lee, Chairman KHIA.

Ock Taeck Lim, Professor at the University of Ulsan, said the MOU with ABS and KHIA will provide an opportunity to explore differentiated technologies in the fields of hydrogen and shipbuilding.