Vincen (CEO Chil-Hwan Lee), a company specializing in hydrogen fuel cells and battery propulsion systems for eco-friendly ships, announced on the 23rd that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Dutch marine engineering company MANA Engineering for cooperation on a hydrogen fuel cell-based ship conversion project.
Through this MOU, the two companies will conduct a technical feasibility study and seek approval of concept (AIP) from Lloyd's Register (LR) for a retrofit solution for an 800-TEU feeder container vessel operating in the Northern European and Baltic Seas. The secured AIP will lay the technological foundation for actual ship retrofit projects and verify the applicability of hydrogen fuel cells and battery systems.
In the European shipping market, tightening environmental regulations and rising carbon emissions are driving the need for eco-friendly conversions for existing vessels. However, shipowners are facing challenges due to the burden of initial investment and fuel market uncertainty. Accordingly, the two companies are focusing on securing "hydrogen retrofit" technology, which replaces onboard power and auxiliary power sources, such as lighting, heating and cooling, with hydrogen fuel cells and battery systems while maintaining existing propulsion systems. Utilizing interchangeable hydrogen containers will enable carbon-free power supply while at anchor, eliminating the need for a separate shore-based power source. Furthermore, the use of green hydrogen will also facilitate compliance with strengthened European environmental regulations, such as FuelEU.
Furthermore, the interchangeable hydrogen storage system features a control system that can be freely switched with existing diesel power generation facilities, ensuring operational stability. Furthermore, the hydrogen supply via container exchange enhances operational convenience. The retrofitted vessel is expected to contribute to improving ship carbon intensity (CII) indicators, while complying with EU shore power regulations, FuelEU, and the EU-ETS.
Vincennes and Mana Engineering plan to continue their collaboration to apply their technology to the European market by combining their technological prowess and local market networks.
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