DRIFT Energy’s hydrogen producing vessel gets RINA nod

Italian classification society RINA has granted approval to a vessel design developed by UK-based renewable energy startup DRIFT Energy for ships capable of generating electricity at sea and converting it into hydrogen fuel onboard.

IMAGE: DRIFT Energy’s hydrogen producing vessel design. RINA

The concept vessel is equipped with hydro-kinetic turbines beneath the hull to generate electricity, which is then converted into green hydrogen through electrolysis and stored onboard for delivery to ports and other demand centres globally. Hydro-kinetic turbines are devices that generate electricity by harnessing the kinetic energy of flowing water, such as tides, rivers, or ocean currents.

The company also plans to use its routing technology that enables the vessels to track favourable weather systems and maximise energy generation efficiency.

However, DRIFT Energy has not disclosed whether the hydrogen produced onboard will also be used to power the vessels themselves.

The company aims to launch its first ship in 2027 before moving into series production to fulfil an existing orderbook of more than 30 vessels.

By Tuhin Roy

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