Classification societies have approved technologies for emissions-free propulsion on vessels in preparation for their first installation and testing
Bureau Veritas (BV) approved the second generation of the REXH2 hydrogen fuel cell, created by Energy Observer Developments.
Approval in principle (AIP) was provided for REXH2 following a thorough design review against the latest classification rules and regulations.
This review assessed its compliance with the IGF Code specific safety regulations for vessels using gases and low-flashpoint fuels. It follows the recently released BV note NR 547, as applicable to the use of fuel cells on vessels.
REXH2 has a proton-exchange membrane with a range of 70 kW to 1 MW in power generation. Two of these units have been tested on vessels. The next step is to obtain type-approval from BV by the end of 2022.
Ballard Power Systems received type-approval from DNV for its marine fuel-cell module FCwave. This follows extensive evaluation and assessment by DNV, which included a series of simulations and tests at Ballard’s centre in Hobro, Denmark.
Type-approval certification confirms FCwave meets the stringent safety, functional, design and documentation requirements necessary for global marine commercialisation.
“The new classification of FCwave has removed a significant roadblock in helping the marine industry deploy zero-emissions technologies and meeting global emissions reduction targets,” says Ballard Power Systems general manager for marine Søren Østergaard Hansen.
Class society RINA and vessel builder Fincantieri signed an agreement to collaborate on developing technologies for decarbonisation, including on alternative fuels, carbon capture and renewable energies. This includes working on AiPs of these technologies, simulating new fuels and energy vectors and a risk-based approach to classification.
Norway’s HAV Group was granted preliminary approval by the Norwegian Maritime Authority for a hydrogen-based energy system, allowing HAV’s hydrogen technology to enter the commercial stage. HAV plans to enter the final design stage for its energy system.
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