VINSSEN, a maritime decarbonization technology company specializing in hydrogen fuel cells and integrated system solutions, has secured Type Approval from the Korean Register (KR) and the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for its 150kW marine fuel cell module. This follows an earlier approval from the Italian classification society RINA, making it the third major global classification society to certify the module. The module, based on proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) technology, is designed for shipboard applications and meets international classification requirements for design, safety, and performance.
The Type Approval Certificate (TAC) involves a rigorous process that includes a Project Design Assessment (PDA) and a Manufacturing Assessment (MA). The PDA evaluates the technical design and compliance, while the MA assesses production conditions and quality systems, including quality management, facilities, and process control. These assessments ensure compliance with classification standards and formally recognize the manufacturer’s quality management capabilities, which are essential for the safety certification of ships and offshore structures.
The 150kW fuel cell module serves as a building block for a 250kW system, which is modular and scalable toward megawatt-class hydrogen propulsion systems. The system can be flexibly applied as either an onboard power generator or a main propulsion source, suitable for a wide range of vessels, from small craft to large commercial ships. The module has also obtained project approval from the Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Authority (KOMSA), whose technical rules and safety requirements are aligned with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulatory framework. This confirms that the module meets safety standards for both domestic and international operations.
CEO Chil-Han Lee stated, “Type Approval from KR and ABS confirms that our technology meets the stringent safety and reliability standards required for marine environments. We will continue to advance high-power fuel cell modules and integration technologies, building a flexible hydrogen propulsion platform for various vessel types and power ranges.”
VINSSEN is a pioneering provider of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) solutions for the maritime industry. With advanced R&D capabilities and expertise in clean propulsion systems, VINSSEN develops high-performance, scalable, and regulatory-compliant fuel cell solutions supporting the global transition to sustainable and zero-emission shipping.
This certification is a significant milestone for VINSSEN and the maritime industry as a whole. It underscores the growing momentum towards hydrogen as a viable and sustainable fuel source for maritime applications. The approval from three major classification societies not only validates VINSSEN’s technology but also sets a precedent for other companies in the sector. It highlights the importance of rigorous testing and certification in ensuring the safety and reliability of new technologies.
The scalability of VINSSEN’s 150kW fuel cell module is particularly noteworthy. As the maritime industry looks to decarbonize, the ability to scale up from a 250kW system to megawatt-class propulsion systems is crucial. This scalability allows for the integration of hydrogen fuel cells into a wide range of vessels, from small craft to large commercial ships, making it a versatile solution for the industry’s diverse needs.
Moreover, the alignment of KOMSA’s technical rules and safety requirements with the IMO regulatory framework ensures that VINSSEN’s technology is not only suitable for domestic operations but also meets international standards. This is essential for the global adoption of hydrogen fuel cells in the maritime sector.
The partnership between VINSSEN and major classification societies like KR, ABS, and RINA also highlights the collaborative efforts within the industry to advance sustainable technologies. These societies play a critical role in setting and enforcing standards that ensure the safety and reliability of new technologies. Their involvement in certifying VINSSEN’s fuel cell module underscores the industry’s commitment to fostering innovation while maintaining high standards of safety and performance.
In conclusion, VINSSEN’s achievement of Type Approval from KR and ABS, in addition to RINA, marks a significant step forward in the adoption of hydrogen fuel cells in the maritime industry. It sets a benchmark for other companies and underscores the importance of rigorous testing and certification in ensuring the safety and reliability of new technologies. As the industry continues to explore sustainable fuel sources, VINSSEN’s scalable and versatile hydrogen propulsion platform is poised to play a crucial role in the global transition to zero-emission shipping.