TECO 2030 and Umoe Mandal seek AiP for fuel cell high-speed vessel design

Norwegian cleantech company TECO 2030 and compatriot shipbuilder Umoe Mandal have submitted an approval in principle (AiP) application to the Norwegian Maritime Authority for the world’s first fuel cell high-speed vessel design.

As disclosed, the vessel will be constructed based on Umoe Mandal’s crew transfer vessel (CTV) surface effect ship (SES) technology. Its air-cushion catamaran design will offer a low imprint on the surrounding environment, TECO 2030 said.

The vessel will be a passenger vessel fitted with a multimegawatt fuel cell system and have a service speed of 35 knots, a range of a minimum of 160 nautical miles, and carry 275 passengers.

This design is expected to raise interest from the global maritime industry as they seek alternatives to transform away from fossil fuels, towards more sustainable fuels. The vessel design aims at being a first-of-its-kind zero-emission high-speed passenger vessel sailing along the coast without emitting anything but warm air and water.

Once the AiP is issued for vessel design and hydrogen propulsion plant, TECO 2030 and Umoe Mandal together with suppliers will continue the process of reaching final approval.

“It is a major accomplishment for us to announce our developed partnership with Umoe Mandal and submit all documentation to Norwegian Maritime Authority for an approval in principle on a ship designed for the future of zero-emission maritime transportation. I am excited to continue to build on this design platform as we move forward together with our strong partner Umoe Mandal,” said Tore Enger, Group CEO of TECO 2030.

“This achievement demonstrates the industry’s readiness to embrace commercial and public tenders for passenger vessels powered by hydrogen, thereby contributing to efforts to reduce and eliminate pollution in the maritime industry.”