The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Korea Hydrogen Industry Association (KHIA) and the University of Ulsan, Foundation for Industry Cooperation (UOUFIC) to create a 40-seat tourism vessel powered by a 350-kilowatt hydrogen fuel cell.
According to ABS, the zero-emission vessel is one of the initiatives related with Korea’s national hydrogen strategy in terms of research, development, and demonstration (RD&D).
Vassilios Kroustallis, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Business Development, said: “ABS is proud to explore new technologies and work together on innovative projects with knowledgeable stakeholders such as KHIA and the University of Ulsan.
“We look forward to supporting this hydrogen vessel project with our deep technical knowledge and regulatory expertise to enhance the safety of the maritime industry and bring about a smooth transition to clean energy.”
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Donghui Lee, Chairman KHIA, stated: “KHIA is very happy to commence this agreement with ABS and the University of Ulsan for the development of hydrogen ships in the future. We look forward to cooperating with ABS and University of Ulsan in various fields.”
Ock Taeck Lim, Professor at the University of Ulsan, said: “The MoU with ABS and KHIA will provide an opportunity to explore differentiated technologies in the fields of hydrogen and shipbuilding.”
In January 2022, ABS signed a Strategic Framework Agreement with Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) to work together on autonomous vessel projects.
One month later, the Gantrex Group signed a Share Purchase Agreement to acquire 100 per cent of the shares of Bravo Silva Consultori Tecnica S.L (ABS Consultor).
