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  • Sydrogen Achieves Key Certification for Maritime Fuel Cell

    Another maritime fuel cell supplier achieves Approval in Principle as a first step toward commercialization for maritime applications. The recent flurry of announcements regarding fuel cell approvals is a good sign. More competition is required in this space.

    A Milestone for Maritime Decarbonization

    Singapore-based innovator Sydrogen Energy has achieved a significant breakthrough, securing crucial certification milestones for its maritime hydrogen fuel cell technology. Sydrogen’s Maritime Fuel Cell, the SydroPOWER MZ250N, recently received a Basic Design Assessment (BDA) Statement and Approval in Principle (AiP)from Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV). The statements mark a vital step toward commercializing advanced hydrogen-based energy solutions in maritime operations.

    Source: Sydrogen

    Advanced Fuel Cell Technology

    The SydroPOWER MZ250N incorporates proven automotive hydrogen fuel cell technology from Sydrogen’s partner, Shanghai Hydrogen Propulsion Technology (SHPT). Designed specifically for maritime environments, this fuel cell system promises reliable and efficient power for various applications, including commercial vessels and offshore platforms. The system significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants, contributing directly to global climate goals and cleaner oceans.

    Rigorous Certification and Validation

    The BDA Statement from Bureau Veritas confirms that the SydroPOWER MZ250N meets stringent safety, performance, and reliability standards. This rigorous evaluation process reinforces Sydrogen’s commitment to excellence and highlights the reliability of their technology. This certification demonstrates the industry’s increasing acceptance and readiness for hydrogen-based maritime solutions.

    Industry Leaders Voice Support

    Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, praised Sydrogen’s milestone, stating, “We welcome the efforts by Sydrogen and its partners in advancing hydrogen fuel cell technology for maritime use. The Basic Design Assessment is an encouraging milestone that reflects momentum across the industry to explore cleaner energy solutions.”

    Gian Yi-Hsen, CEO of Sydrogen, emphasized the impact of this achievement, noting, “Receiving this Basic Design Assessment Statement from Bureau Veritas marks a transformative moment for Sydrogen Energy. This achievement is not just a validation of our technology’s safety and reliability; it represents a significant step forward in our mission to revolutionize maritime energy solutions.”

    Moving Forward with Sustainable Maritime Energy

    With the certification milestone achieved, Sydrogen is now positioned to accelerate deployment of the SydroPOWER MZ250N. The company is actively engaging with potential customers and industry partners to launch pilot projects and commercial installations. These efforts will help drive maritime operations toward a sustainable, zero-emission future.

    This certification highlights not only Sydrogen’s innovative approach but also underscores the broader maritime industry’s commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions.

  • Comparing LT-PEM Hydrogen Fuel Cells for Maritime Use

    Over the last months several fuel cells have reached approval milestones from classification societies. This is very encouraging to see as this clear a large hurdle to maritime applications. This article compares the LT-PEM fuel cells currently available for maritime use.

    LT-PEM fuel cells

    Hydrogen fuel cells are becoming the go-to technology for zero-emission maritime propulsion. Among these, low-temperature proton exchange membrane (LT-PEM) fuel cells are particularly suited to shipping. They’re compact, modular, and efficient.

    Below table gives an overview of the relevant fuel cells for maritime applications.

    ManufacturerModelRated PowerDimensions (L×W×H)Inlet Hydrogen PressureClass ApprovalCommercial Use StatusNotable Projects
    Ballard Power (Canada)FCwave™200 kW (modular)1209×741×2195 mm3.5–6.5 bar(g)DNV, LR, ABS (Type Approval)In operationNorled MF Hydra, H₂ Barge 2, Zulu06
    Vinssen (S. Korea)60 kW Stack (120 kW system)60 kW per stack (120 kW system)Compact (N/A)Low-pressure (N/A)RINA (Type Approval)Approved, demo ongoingVinssen demo vessel, KR AiP tug
    Hanwha Aerospace (S. Korea)200 kW Marine PEMFC200 kWN/A (prototype)5–7 bar (expected)DNV/KR (AiP)AiP granted, not yet deployedIntegration with Hanwha Ocean
    TECO 2030 (Norway)FCM400400 kW per moduleContainerized (N/A)5–8 barDNV (AiP)AiP grantedHyEkoTank, ZEAS projects
    PowerCell SwedenMarine System 225225 kW1200×900×2000 mm3–8 bar(g)DNV/LR compliance (pending Type Approval)Deliveries underwayItalian shipbuilder, cruise ships
    Nedstack PemGen 300 (Netherlands)PemGen® 300~825 kW (3×275 kW)Installed in vessel hold (N/A)0.3–6 bar(g)Lloyd’s RegisterIn operationH₂ Barge 1 (Rotterdam-Antwerp)
    Nedstack PemGen 600 (Netherlands)PemGen® 600600 kW (740 kW peak)6060×2440×2900 mm (20′ container)0.3–6 bar(g)BV (AiP)AiP grantedAvailable for inland/coastal vessels
    Cummins/Hydrogenics (USA)Hydrogenics HD360 kW totalInstalled onboard (N/A)Regulated from 350 barUS Coast Guard approvedIn operationSea Change ferry (California)
    EODev (France)REXH₂®70 kW per module1710×1060×1020 mm5–7 bar(g)BV (Type Approval)Type Approved, deployments upcomingPROMETEO catamaran, Energy Observer
    Corvus Energy (Norway)Pelican Fuel Cell340 kW (4×85 kW)2160×1427×2320 mm5.4–14 bar(g)DNV (Type Approval)Type Approved, prototype phaseShort-sea vessels, ferries (planned)
    EH-Group (Swiss)EH TRACE-M250250 kWCompact (N/A)Low-pressure (N/A)DNV (AiP)AiP grantedMaritime applications
    Genevos (France)HPM-250250 kW1400×800×1800 mm>2.5 bar(a)BV (AiP)AiP grantedNordics ferry project, workboats

    Let’s take a closer look at some of the leading LT-PEM hydrogen fuel cell solutions available for maritime applications.

    Proven and In-Service Solutions

    Several manufacturers already have fuel cells operating commercially at sea.

    Ballard Power Systems leads with its FCwave™, a 200 kW module scalable to megawatt levels. The FCwave™ received type approval from DNV, Lloyd’s Register, and ABS. It’s in active use aboard vessels like the Norled MF Hydra, the world’s first liquid hydrogen ferry. Other deployments include H₂ Barge 2 and the Zulu06 inland vessel.

    Nedstack from the Netherlands offers the PemGen® 300, delivering around 825 kW through multiple stacks. It powers the H₂ Barge 1, an inland container vessel servicing Rotterdam and Antwerp since 2023. Nedstack’s modular approach provides flexibility for retrofitting existing vessels. After running in financial difficulties in 2024 Nedstack was taken over by German Freudenberg.

    Cummins (Hydrogenics), with its 360 kW system, powers the Sea Change ferry in California. The system secured approval from the U.S. Coast Guard, highlighting its reliability for passenger transport.

    Fuel Cells with Type Approvals

    Other fuel cell systems have gained recent class approvals, signaling readiness for commercial deployment.

    South Korea’s Vinssen earned RINA type approval in 2025 for its 60 kW stacks (assembled into 120 kW systems). Vinssen’s systems are ideal for smaller vessels, harbor tugs, and ferries. A demonstration vessel is already underway.

    Norway’s Corvus Energy developed the 340 kW Pelican fuel cell pack, based on Toyota modules. It achieved DNV type approval in 2024. Corvus targets short-sea shipping and ferries, promising rapid adoption in Northern Europe.

    France’s EODev secured Bureau Veritas type approval for its modular 70 kW REXH₂® unit. The system’s first marine installation is set for the PROMETEO catamaran, emphasizing flexibility and scalability.

    Systems Nearing Commercial Deployment

    Other players hold Approval in Principle (AiP) from classification societies, signaling they’re close to commercial rollout.

    Hanwha Aerospace from South Korea holds AiP from DNV and Korean Register for its 200 kW marine PEMFC. Hanwha targets larger commercial vessels and integration with ammonia-to-hydrogen solutions.

    TECO 2030 of Norway has DNV AiP for its powerful 400 kW FCM400 module. Unfortunately current status of this development is unclear due to the filing for bankruptcy of the company.

    PowerCell Sweden developed the Marine System 225, optimized at 225 kW per module. Already selected for cruise ships and commercial orders, full type approval is expected soon.

    Genevos from France has an AiP for its compact 250 kW HPM-250. Its modular design suits smaller workboats, ferries, and offshore vessels.

    EH-Group from Swiss has an AiP from DNV for the 250 kW EH-Trace-M250 unit since 2024. The unit has a high power density which makes it well-suited for multi-MW applications.

    Why It Matters

    LT-PEM fuel cells are a critical piece of maritime decarbonization. With type approvals and commercial projects expanding, these systems offer proven, certified solutions. Shipowners can now confidently adopt hydrogen propulsion technology.

    In the coming years, expect rapid growth in zero-emission maritime vessels. LT-PEM fuel cells are leading this charge, delivering reliable, scalable, and emission-free energy at sea.

  • Vinssen Earns RINA Type Approval for Marine Fuel Cell

    After Hanwha last week, there is news from South Korean companies reaching an important milestone for their fuel cell technology. We need these developments to increase uptake of hydrogen in shipping.

    Vinssen reaches milestone

    South Korea’s Vinssen just reached a big milestone. Their 60 kW hydrogen fuel cell system received type approval from classification society RINA. This brings the company one step closer to the commercialization of their 120 kW maritime fuel cell.

    Compact, Clean, and Certified

    The system runs on proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell technology. Vinssen developed it with Bumhan Fuel Cell. It’s compact, modular, and built for marine use.

    Source: Vinssen

    RINA’s approval confirms the system meets safety and performance standards. That opens the door for use in small commercial vessels, ferries, and harbor craft.

    Proven Tech from a Hydrogen Pioneer

    Vinssen already made headlines with Hydrogenia, South Korea’s first hydrogen-electric vessel. Now, with this certification, the company can scale up its clean energy push.

    The RINA stamp also gives shipowners more confidence. It shows that hydrogen tech from Asia is gaining serious ground in a global market.

    Specs at a Glance

    • Fuel Cell Type: PEM
    • Rated Output: 60 kW
    • Fuel: Compressed hydrogen
    • Cooling: Liquid-cooled
    • Setup: Modular, scalable
    • Target Use: Small vessels, ferries, harbor craft
    • Approval: RINA, March 2025

    Why This Matters

    Modular fuel cells like this are key to maritime decarbonization. They’re clean, quiet, and easy to install in smaller hulls. As regulations tighten, certified systems will drive adoption.

    Vinssen’s 60 kW unit might be small. But it’s a smart step toward a bigger, cleaner future on the water.

  • Hanwha Aerospace Gains DNV Approval for Marine Fuel Cells

    It is very obvious that more class approved fuel cells are needed to develop hydrogen-powered ships. Currently the number of available maritime fuel cells is very limited. Therefore this milestone by Hanwha Aerospace is a step in the right direction. This follows on news of another type approval earlier this year.

    Certification

    Hanwha Aerospace has achieved a significant milestone. The company received Approval in Principle (AIP) from DNV for its 200 kW hydrogen fuel cell system designed for maritime use.

    This certification confirms the system’s safety and compliance with international regulations during the basic design phase. It builds upon a previous approval from the Korean Register of Shipping (KR).

    Source; Hanwha Aerospace via Linkedin

    Dong-jo Oh, Executive Director of Hanwha Aerospace, stated that this certification validates their hydrogen fuel cell technology at the highest global standards for safety and performance. He emphasized the company’s commitment to collaborating with Hanwha Ocean to target the global zero-carbon vessel market and help the maritime industry reduce carbon emissions.

    Full scale marketing

    With this approval, Hanwha Aerospace is set to begin full-scale marketing and sales of its maritime hydrogen fuel cells. The company also aims to secure type approval for its polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) technology, enhancing its competitiveness in the zero-carbon propulsion systems market. Plans are underway to further develop and commercialize this solution for various marine vessels, from commercial ships to specialized maritime applications.

    Ammonia

    In June 2024, Hanwha Aerospace, Hanwha Ocean, KR, and ammonia power solutions company Amogy signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU). This agreement focuses on technical collaboration and certification for applying ammonia reformers and ammonia fuel cell systems to ships. Previously, Hanwha Ocean agreed to purchase Amogy’s ammonia-to-electrical power system, which includes Hanwha Aerospace’s hydrogen fuel cell system.

    These developments position Hanwha Aerospace at the forefront of eco-friendly marine solutions. The company’s efforts contribute significantly to the maritime industry’s goal of achieving zero-carbon emissions.

  • EODEV Achieves Industry Milestone with Type Approval for REXH2 Fuel Cell System

    In order to develop hydrogen powered ships we need more development in the different building blocks like the fuel cells. Earlier this month I reported about the Ricardo fuel cell system achieving almost 400 kW output. Now it is great to see that EODEV has obtained Type Approval for its REXH2 fuel cell system. This development fits nicely with EO’s container ship project. The platform is based on the Toyota fuel cell technology. Personally, I have concerns about using automotive technology in shipping, however EODEV surely has taken this into consideration.

    A Major Step for Maritime Hydrogen Adoption

    The REXH2 fuel cell system, developed by Energy Observer Developments (EODEV), has now achieved Type Approval from Bureau Veritas, a leading classification society. This certification validates the system’s compliance with international safety and performance standards, making it easier for shipbuilders and operators to integrate hydrogen propulsion into new and existing vessels.

    Source: eo-dev.com

    Type Approval is a critical process that ensures maritime systems meet stringent regulations before deployment. This milestone means that the REXH2 is recognized as a safe and reliable solution for zero-emission marine power, significantly reducing regulatory hurdles for adoption in commercial shipping, passenger ferries, and even superyachts.

    The REXH2: A Proven Solution for Clean Marine Power

    The REXH2 is a modular hydrogen fuel cell system designed for maritime applications, offering a scalable and efficient alternative to diesel generators. It has been rigorously tested in real-world conditions aboard the Energy Observer, a pioneering hydrogen-powered vessel that has demonstrated the viability of fuel cell propulsion on long-distance journeys.

    Key features of the REXH2 include:

    • Modularity – The system can be configured to meet various power demands, making it suitable for different vessel types.
    • Zero Emissions – Producing only water and heat as byproducts, the REXH2 aligns with global decarbonization goals.
    • Compliance with IMO Regulations – The certification supports the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) strategy to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in shipping.

    Implications for the Hydrogen-Powered Shipping Industry

    The certification of the REXH2 represents a major leap forward for hydrogen-powered vessels. Until now, the maritime industry has faced significant challenges in adopting hydrogen fuel cells due to regulatory uncertainties and a lack of standardized certification frameworks. With this approval, shipowners and naval architects can integrate hydrogen propulsion with greater confidence, accelerating the transition to clean energy.

    This achievement also reinforces EODEV’s position as a leader in maritime hydrogen technology. By securing Type Approval, the company has set a benchmark for other hydrogen fuel cell manufacturers, fostering innovation and investment in the sector.

    Future Prospects

    For naval architects, shipbuilders, and operators exploring zero-emission solutions, the REXH2 is now a certified and viable option. With increasing pressure to meet sustainability targets, this certification is a game-changer for the future of maritime hydrogen propulsion.