This pioneering project, in collaboration with MISC and Samsung Heavy Industries, validates the feasibility of using scalable fuel cell technology for zero-emission main propulsion in large commercial shipping.
VINSSEN Co., Ltd. has secured a pivotal role in a groundbreaking project to develop the world's first ammonia-fueled LR2 tanker powered entirely by a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) system, marking a historic leap towards zero-emission shipping.
The announcement, made on September 29, details VINSSEN's central involvement as the key PEMFC technology partner in the pioneering vessel design conceptualized by MISC Berhad (MISC) and Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI). This conceptual design, for an 115K LR2 Tanker, recently received an Approval in Principle (AIP) from the classification society Bureau Veritas (BV) under a Joint Development Project (JDP). The AIP confirms that the innovative concept meets technical viability, safety, and international regulatory standards, setting the stage for the next phase of development.
VINSSEN's contribution is critical, demonstrating the feasibility of an all-electric propulsion, cargo handling, and onboard energy supply for a vessel of this size powered by fuel cells. Historically, maritime fuel cell applications have been restricted to smaller vessels or auxiliary power systems. This project breaks that barrier, validating the use of PEMFCs for main propulsion in large-scale commercial shipping.
To meet the substantial power requirements of the LR2 Tanker, VINSSEN’s design incorporates a robust 12MW PEM fuel cell system. This high-performance system is achieved by integrating six of the company's self-developed 2MW MEGA FC 2.0 modules. This modular approach is a key advantage, as it allows VINSSEN to effortlessly scale the power output, adapting the technology to the diverse and ever-growing energy demands of various large commercial vessels across the global fleet.
The power generation concept hinges on integrating VINSSEN’s PEMFC technology with an upstream Ammonia Cracking System (ACS) supplied by Panasia. The ACS serves a crucial function by converting the stored ammonia, which acts as a dense and practical hydrogen carrier, into the high-purity hydrogen gas required to fuel the PEMFCs. This integration effectively addresses the challenge of onboard hydrogen storage for large vessels by utilizing ammonia, a more readily available and manageable fuel.
Beyond the technological breakthrough, the JDP has also been instrumental in establishing essential safety concepts and regulatory frameworks, ensuring the design aligns fully with stringent classification society standards for a complex, novel power system.
Chilhan Lee, CEO of VINSSEN, highlighted the significance of this achievement. "By leading the integration of PEM fuel cell systems into the world's first ammonia-fueled vessel concept, VINSSEN is setting new benchmarks for clean propulsion in commercial shipping," he stated.
