South Korea’s first hydrogen electric boat unveiled

South Korea’s first commercially available hydrogen electric boat was unveiled at the 2021 Busan International Boat Show, where it was named Best Boat of the Year.

The Hydrogenia vessel was developed by Vinssen and is powered by a Danfoss Editron electric drivetrain and subsystem.

The electric powertrain system developed by Danfoss Editron consists of an EMI machine, electrical inverters, and DC-DC converters. Compact and lightweight technology from the company allows significant space and weight savings, allowing for greater design freedom in small vessels such as Hydrogenia. Danfoss Editron’s system’s great efficiency benefit shipbuilders as well, as they result in improved operational performance.

Vinssen intends to build an additional 50 boats during the following year utilizing comparable hydrogen electric technology. Danfoss Editron’s effective integration of many parallel inverters in a single machine will serve as a baseline for larger marine projects such as ferries and tugboats.

Steve Kim, Danfoss’ Head of North East Asia, commented:

“The unveiling of the Hydrogeniaboat demonstrates the pivotal role we play in marine electrification, both in hydrogen and battery-powered vessels. We will continue to help South Korea achieve its goal of being carbon neutral by 2050 by contributing to the ongoing electrification of the country’s transportation industry, with a focus on its shipbuilding sector.

Our multi-function inverter modules can be easily integrated with other energy sources, such as hydrogen fuel cells, without additional costs for research and development. Our standardized inverter technology also guarantees the fastest lead time from testing to commercialization.”

Chil Han Lee, CEO of Vinssen, added:

“President Moon was extremely interested in the commercialization of the Hydrogeniavessel. If the government’s institutional and policy support for the commercialization of hydrogen electric boats continues, it will enable South Korea to lead the world in hydrogen ship technology that will grow into a high value-added industry.”