VINSSEN has begun construction of its latest craft – a 17.4m leisure boat that is set to be the first of its kind developed by the Korean shipbuilder.
The boat, which will be able to accommodate up to ten passengers, will have a maximum speed of 20 knots powered by its 600kW propulsion system which incorporates hydrogen fuel cells and high-voltage batteries developed by the technology company.
Design approval has already been issued by Korea Marine Traffic Safety Authority (KOMSA), establishing it as the first leisure boat of its kind in the country.
VINSSEN first received special approval from Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy to proceed with the R&D Project in 2023.
The project – ‘Demonstration of the charging and operation of a hydrogen fuel cell powered boat’, is being carried out in collaboration with JNTP, Komeri, and Kitech.
This R&D project is essential to eventually achieving carbon neutrality and improving the maritime environment in Korea.
Chil Han Lee
Specifically, JNTP will provide technical and regulatory sandbox execution support, Komeri will conduct hull stability assessment hydrogen fuel cell system performance evaluation, and Kitech will share hull welding technology and quality management expertise.
As part of the initiative, VINSSEN plans to construct hydrogen fuel cell leisure boats during the demonstration period based on establishing a safe testing environment.
Additionally, the company will install a moorage facility, and set up and operate a specialised mobile package-type hydrogen charging station that will incorporate differentiated monitoring technology.
“This R&D project is essential to eventually achieving carbon neutrality and improving the maritime environment in Korea,” said Chil Han Lee, VINSSEN CEO. “Through this project, we will continue to accelerate safe and efficient eco-friendly maritime mobility technologies.”
Through the project, VINSSEN is aiming to promote the widespread adoption of hydrogen power in Korea and beyond.
