VINSSEN launches Korea’s first hydrogen fuel cell vessel
Published by Willow Munz,
Editorial Assistant
Global Hydrogen Review,
VINSSEN has successfully launched HYDRO ZENITH, Korea’s first hydrogen fuel cell-powered ship developed in compliance with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries’ Interim Standards. The launch ceremony was held on 18 December 2025 at VINSSEN’s land-based test facility in Yeongam, South Korea, with participation from local governments, industry partners, and research institutions.
Key highlights
- HYDRO ZENITH is designed and built in full compliance with national ship safety regulations.
- Equipped with two 100 kW hydrogen fuel cell systems and four 92 kWh battery packs (hybrid propulsion).
- Achieves speeds of up to 20 knots (37 km/h).
- Features zero emissions, low noise, and high operational efficiency.
- Hydrogen fuel cell system safety verified through KOMSA pre-certification, demonstrating real-world deployability without regulatory exemptions.
VINSSEN also showcased its 100 kW and 250 kW marine hydrogen fuel cell systems, currently undergoing type approval, highlighting the company’s fully in-house hydrogen fuel cell technology.
Digital and data-driven innovation
HYDRO ZENITH integrates advanced data track recording for real-time monitoring of vessel performance and energy usage, enabling predictive maintenance, optimised operations, and accelerated digital transformation of the maritime industry.
Public–private collaboration
This project is jointly funded by Jeollanam-do Province, Yeongam County, and VINSSEN, with support from leading Korean research institutions – setting a strong model for hydrogen maritime ecosystem development. “HYDRO ZENITH will play a key role in validating hydrogen vessel safety standards through real-sea trials and accelerating the commercialisation of zero-emission marine mobility, commented Chil-Han Lee, CEO of VINSSEN.
VINSSEN will now proceed with sea trials and real-ocean validation, further strengthening the foundation for large scale deployment of hydrogen-powered vessels.
This milestone marks a significant step toward zero-emission maritime mobility and reinforces VINSSEN’s role in advancing hydrogen-powered solutions for marine and energy infrastructure worldwide.
Read the article online at: https://www.globalhydrogenreview.com/hydrogen/07012026/vinssen-launches-koreas-first-hydrogen-fuel-cell-vessel/
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