VINSSEN Unveils Korea’s First Hydrogen Fuel Cell Powered Ship ‘HYDRO ZENITH’

South Korea has launched its first hydrogen fuel cell-powered ship, Hydro Zenith. The vessel was unveiled on 18 December at VINSSEN’s land-based test facility in Yeongam, Jeollanam-do Province, with local government representatives, industry partners, and research institutions in attendance.

Hydro Zenith is 17.4 metres long, weighs 32 tonnes, and has an aluminium hull. It is powered by two 100-kilowatt hydrogen fuel cells and four 92-kWh lithium-ion battery packs, enabling hybrid propulsion.

The ship can achieve speeds of up to 20 knots (37 km/h) while operating with zero emissions, low noise, and high efficiency.

The vessel’s hydrogen fuel cell system has been safety-verified through KOMSA pre-certification, demonstrating that it can be deployed without regulatory exemptions.

Video Credits: MBC/YouTube

In addition, Hydro Zenith is equipped with digital monitoring systems that track vessel performance and energy use in real time, helping improve maintenance planning and support more efficient operations.

The project was jointly funded by VINSSEN, Jeollanam-do Province, and Yeongam County, with support from leading Korean research institutions.

Hydro Zenith has also received inspection and certification from the Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Authority, establishing its viability as an alternative for green shipping in tourism and leisure sectors.

References: hydrogen central, fuelcellsworks

Source: Maritime Shipping News