US hydrogen-fuelled research vessel to be ABS Class

Designed by Glosten, the vessel will feature a new hydrogen-hybrid propulsion system that integrates hydrogen fuel cells alongside a conventional diesel-electric power plant, enabling zero-emission operations.

The design is scaled so the ship will be able to operate 75 percent of its missions entirely using hydrogen. For longer missions, extra power will be provided by diesel generators.

While no information about the type of fuel cell or the hydrogen containment system has been provided, The Motorship notes that Glosten previously participated in a research study with Sandia National Laboratories and Scripps Institution of Oceanography assessing the possibility of operating a research vessel on PEM fuel cells, based on an 1,800kW installation of Hydrogenics HyPM HD 30 fuel cells. The research study envisaged the installation of twin Type C deck mounted liquid hydrogen storage tanks. 

The 150-foot vessel will be equipped with advanced instruments and sensing systems, along with state-of-the-art laboratories, enabling multidisciplinary research, advancing understanding of the physical and biological processes active in California’s coastal oceans.

“ABS is proud to pioneer the development of hydrogen as marine fuel technology with these partners in a project that has the potential to make a significant contribution to the understanding of our oceans. This project will be closely watched by the industry as it breaks new ground and demonstrates the capabilities of this promising alternative fuel at sea,” said Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS Chairman, President and CEO.