Maritime decarbonisation technology specialist VINSSEN has achieved a significant milestone by securing Approval in Principle (AIP) certification from the Korean Register for Korea’s first hydrogen-powered tugboat. This achievement underscores the company’s commitment to sustainable maritime solutions and marks a breakthrough in applying hydrogen fuel cell technology to high-carbon-emitting vessels.
The pioneering tugboat is the result of a joint research initiative between VINSSEN, the Korean Register, and KRE, a leader in ship design, retrofit engineering, and maritime infrastructure engineering. This collaboration aims to redefine port operations by integrating eco-friendly propulsion systems, significantly reducing the environmental footprint of tugboats.
VINSSEN is spearheading the development of the hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system, while KRE is responsible for the tugboat’s base performance and layout engineering. The 2,700 kW hydrogen fuel cell-powered electric tugboat employs a hybrid system, using hydrogen fuel while storing excess electricity in onboard batteries. This design enables efficient energy management, with stored energy supplementing the fuel cells during peak-load operations to ensure stable and reliable performance.
By optimising hydrogen energy use based on the vessel’s operational profile, VINSSEN’s propulsion system meets current and future environmental regulations while maintaining exceptional performance in demanding maritime environments. The system goes beyond fuel cell technology, incorporating battery energy storage solutions for enhanced efficiency and sustainability.
VINSSEN’s breakthrough not only represents a key advancement in green marine technology but also solidifies the company’s role as a driving force in maritime decarbonisation. With the shipping industry under increasing pressure to reduce emissions, hydrogen fuel cell technology presents a viable pathway toward achieving global sustainability goals.
Looking ahead, VINSSEN is set to showcase its cutting-edge eco-friendly vessels and propulsion systems at Sea Asia 2025, which will take place in the last week of March at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. The event will provide an opportunity for industry leaders and stakeholders to engage with VINSSEN’s latest innovations and explore the future of sustainable maritime operations.