Bureau Veritas, Vinssen and the EcoLabs Centre of Innovation for Energy at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University (NTU) have signed a memorandum of understanding with plans to commercialise eco-friendly marine propulsion system technology and products in Singapore and South Korea
The agreement will see the partners develop a pilot project based in Singapore, that demonstrates hydrogen-power generation by integrating hydrogen fuel-cell systems on harbour craft. Bureau Veritas’s new iCARE ‘centre of excellence’ will lead the initiative and work with Vinssen and NTU’s EcoLabs to produce commercially feasible studies.
iCARE centre director Koh Shu Yong said, “iCARE is proud to be a part of the project that can contribute back to the maritime industry. We are part of a strong industry collaboration to co-create solutions for sustainability and forge ahead pursuing innovation in policy and technology for decarbonisation.”
Vinssen chief executive Chil-han Lee commented, “Vinssen is actively developing propulsion and control systems for alternative marine fuels including Hydrogenia, South Korea’s first commercial hydrogen electric boat. We take pride in our efforts to create environmentally friendly products that will have a positive impact on our customers while also reducing pollution on our planet. With collaboration with NTU and BV iCARE, we hope to extend our product portfolio to Singapore and beyond.”
The company has developed South Korea’s first commercialised hydrogen electric boat, Hydrogenia, which was unveiled at the 2021 Busan International Boat Show. The vessel is powered by a Danfoss Editron electric drivetrain and subsystem and Vinssen aims to build up to 50 boats using similar hydrogen electric technology in the future.
The EcoLabs Centre of Innovation for Energy serves as a hub to help small businesses and start-ups accelerate. EcoLabs programme director Mahesh Kumar said, “This partnership is expected to benefit local ecosystems while facilitating the energy transition and associated infrastructure developments for decarbonisation.”
“We are pleased to support the development of the project through our extensive network of global partners, including corporate partners, government agencies, investors, research institutions and other successful start-ups.”
Following the agreement, the parties will be moving on to make detailed discussions on the project.
Maritime Air Pollution & Fuel Technologies Conference, Europe will be held 18-19 May 2022. Details and tickets can be found here
