Request for Design Approval for the World’s First High-Speed Fuel Cell Vessel

Norwegian clean-energy company TECO 2030 and builder Umoe Mandal are working on a project to develop the world’s first high-speed vessel using fuel cells to achieve zero emissions. The design is based on Umoe Mandal’s Crew Transfer Vessel (CTV) Surface Effect Ship (SES) technology, with a multimegawatt fuel cell system for full propulsion, aiming for a service speed of 35 knots. The project was selected in a competition to develop the high-speed vessel of the future, with plans for construction and demonstration of the design in pilot operations by 2025.

The companies have submitted a documentation package to the Norwegian Maritime Authority for an approval in principle application for their design, with the ship having a minimum range of 160 nautical miles and the capacity to carry 275 passengers. The vessel is designed to operate in challenging ocean conditions and aims to contribute to efforts to reduce pollution in the maritime industry.

Once the vessel design and hydrogen propulsion plant receive the approval in principle, the companies will continue working with suppliers to reach final approval for the design. This project represents a major step towards sustainable, zero-emission maritime transportation.

Source .