ACUA Ocean joins forces with Genevos for next-gen hydrogen-powered USVs

ACUA Ocean, a manufacturer of hydrogen-powered uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), and Genevos, a hydrogen fuel cell power systems integrator, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for a commercial collaboration to develop next-generation hydrogen-powered USVs (H-USV).

The strategic collaboration will focus on the development of a fully integrated hydrogen marine fuel cell into a USV.

ACUA Ocean develops low-emission USVs for ocean monitoring and data collection across the security, offshore energy, and marine conservation sectors. In November 2023, the company developed and completed phase one of factory acceptance testing (FAT) on a hydrogen powertrain system.

Now, Genevos and ACUA Ocean will optimize this prototype to integrate a novel 40 kW Hydrogen Power Module (HPM-40), developed by Genevos.

According to the partners, this upgrade will benefit from a marinized and commercially certified marine fuel cell, and provide for increased capacity and power for payload.

Neil Tinmouth, CEO of ACUA Ocean, said: “We at ACUA Ocean are excited to be working with Genevos, and to accelerating the adoption of zero-emission technology in the broader marine sector. Critical to this decision is Genevos’ focus on marinization and their understanding of the robustness and reliability required of technology solutions operating in open ocean conditions, as well as their commitment to achieving class certification having already achieved LR Approval in Principle.”

Rebecca Sharp, Co-Founder and CEO of Genevos, commented: “USVs are undergoing significant global demand due to their high autonomy which benefits applications from environmental and climate monitoring, to commercial surveillance. Supporting pioneering USV manufactures such as ACUA Ocean, with a clean energy solution is a key goal of ours, ensuring that new vessels are launched with modern technologies that make sense for our environment. We are delighted to be working with ACUA Ocean and foresee a very exciting future together.”