RINA has awarded an Approval in Principle (AiP) to ST Engineering Marine for a groundbreaking retrofit project involving the integration of a hydrogen-powered fuel cell system on the Asean Raider I, a 25-meter aluminum fast passenger ferry operated by BatamFast. This initiative includes replacing one of the ferry’s auxiliary diesel generators with a hydrogen fuel cell, complemented by lithium-ion batteries. The goal is to significantly lower carbon emissions while maintaining safety, performance, and compliance with regulatory standards for passenger transport.
The evaluation process adhered to RINA’s guidelines for novel technologies, utilizing criteria from the RINA Rules for Ship Classification, the International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code), and the International Code on Intact Stability. RINA’s South Asia Pacific Plan Approval Centre conducted the assessment, supporting the project’s innovative application of hydrogen fuel cell technology in an existing ferry.
The AiP certificate was presented to ST Engineering during Singapore Maritime Week. Lim Nian Hua, Deputy President of Marine at ST Engineering, emphasized that this milestone enhances their retrofitting capabilities and validates their approach to integrating hydrogen technology into maritime operations safely.
Yong Song PANG, Executive South Asia Pacific Marine Director at RINA, noted that the AiP serves as a valuable tool for assessing innovative solutions early on, particularly for alternative fuels. RINA aims to facilitate informed design decisions, helping transition concepts into detailed engineering for new technologies on existing vessels.
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