The system is designed to comply with existing and future environmental regulations, while delivering performance in demanding marine conditions. Credit: VINSSEN/PRNewswire.

Maritime decarbonisation technology provider VINSSEN has obtained the approval in principle (AiP) certification from the Korean Register for what it claims to be South Korea’s “first” tugboat equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system.

The joint-research project between VINSSEN, KRE, and the Korean Register has led to the development of a 2,700kW hydrogen fuel cell-powered electric tugboat.

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VINSSEN has been responsible for engineering the hydrogen fuel cell propulsion systems, while KRE’s focus has been on the tugboat’s base performance and layout engineering.

The new hydrogen fuel cell-powered electric tugboat utilises hydrogen fuel and stores excess electricity generated by the fuel cells in batteries for low-load operations, ensuring preparedness for future energy demands.

In high-output situations, the stored battery energy supports the fuel cell’s power, providing stable propulsion for peak-load operations.

The system is designed to comply with existing and future environmental regulations, while delivering performance in demanding marine conditions, according to the company.

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VINSSEN stated that the propulsion system extends beyond hydrogen fuel cells, providing a green solution that incorporates battery energy storage systems.

The company also plans to showcase its “eco-friendly” vessels and propulsion systems at the upcoming Sea Asia 2025 event, to be held in the last week of March at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.

VINSSEN, which is engaged in the development and manufacturing of “eco-friendly” propulsion systems for vessels, holds over 50 patents in the field.

The company is focused on transforming traditional diesel-powered vessels into environmentally friendly ships using electric and hydrogen technologies.

In October 2024, VINSSEN held a launch ceremony to begin hull construction of a 17.4m leisure boat.

The vessel can accommodate up to ten passengers, has a maximum speed of 20kt, and powered by a 600kW propulsion system that includes hydrogen fuel cells and high-voltage batteries developed by the company.

Its design received approval from the Korea Marine Traffic Safety Authority (KOMSA).

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