ABS and partners launch hydrogen fuel cell study in Singapore

An American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)-led consortium will collaborate on research to develop a hydrogen fuel cell-powered harbour craft in Singapore.

IMAGE: Hydrogen-powered vessel. Getty Images

In the first phase of the study, the consortium will undertake studies to assess the feasibility of deploying a hydrogen-powered harbour craft in Singapore, home to about 1,600 such vessels.

Phase one of the study will cover vessel concept design, technical and economic analysis, design optimisation, risk mitigation and an assessment of commercial viability for wider adoption, ABS said.

“Depending on the outcomes from phase one, a second phase could include construction and sea trials of the vessel,” ABS said.

Hydrogen fuel cell systems are gaining popularity among shipowners as they look for technologies that can reduce conventional fuel use and emissions with hydrogen propulsion.

“The agreement brings together complementary expertise across vessel ownership, ship design, fuel cell propulsion and marine technology to advance hydrogen as a viable marine fuel for harbor operations,” ABS said.

Besides ABS, the consortium includes Singapore-based shipbuilders Marinteknik and compatriot ship engineering consultancy SeaTech Solutions, along with South Korean marine engineering firm Vinssen.

By Aparupa Mazumder

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