ABS grants AiP for DSME’s solid oxide fuel cell technology

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Classification society ABS has granted an Approval-in-Principle (AiP) to a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) technology developed by South Korea’s Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME).

The granting of the AiP follows two joint development projects between ABS and DSME, with the latest being the development of SOFC technology to replace at least one of three diesel generators typically onboard a VLCC.

ABS is now working with DSME on future R&D areas to be carried out during detailed design and testing of the SOFC technology.

“Fuel cells are an important technology in the development of next generation marine propulsion systems and can make a significant contribution to the industry’s decarbonisation ambitions,” said Patrick Ryan, ABS senior vice president, global engineering and technology.

Dr. Choi Dong-kyu, DSME executive vice president, said: "We have completed the conceptual design, including how to effectively deploy fuel cell systems in a limited space and utilise them safely through joint development projects with ABS, and these joint research results will serve as a cornerstone for future design and test evaluation.”