Vinssen Unveils Ammonia Fuel Cell Tanker System | Mariner News

South Korean firm Vinssen is making significant strides in maritime decarbonization with its latest development: a sophisticated fuel cell system designed for an ammonia-fuelled tanker concept. This innovative project aims to power an entire vessel – from propulsion to onboard operations – solely through fuel cells, marking a pivotal step towards greener shipping. The concept has already achieved Approval in Principle (AIP) from Bureau Veritas, affirming its design integrity and safety at the conceptual stage.

Advancing Sustainable Marine Propulsion

This groundbreaking sustainable marine propulsion system is a collaborative effort involving MISC Berhad and Samsung Heavy Industries. Specifically designed for a 115,000 DWT LR2 tanker, Vinssen’s design integrates six 2 MW modular fuel cell units. This scalable arrangement is engineered to meet the substantial power demands of large ocean-going vessels, paving the way for a future of zero-emission shipping and reducing the industry’s carbon footprint.

Ammonia Cracking for Clean Energy

At the heart of this clean energy solution is the use of ammonia as a hydrogen carrier. An onboard ammonia cracking system, supplied by Panasia, converts ammonia into hydrogen. This hydrogen then fuels advanced proton exchange membrane fuel cells, bypassing the need for conventional engine combustion. This approach showcases a practical and efficient pathway to harness alternative fuels for large commercial fleets, accelerating the transition to a sustainable maritime future.