Hyundai, Toyota race in creating hydrogen-powered ships

Hyundai Motor's competition with Toyota over hydrogen fuel cell technology is spilling over from cars to small ships with each of the two firms tapping partners to develop commercially-viable prototypes.

The key is to optimize vehicle-use hydrogen fuel cells in ships.

The Korean carmaker partnered with Korean startup Vinssen in June to develop a 14-meter-long eco-friendly ship dubbed Nexo by December 2021.

Hyundai will supply 95kW hydrogen fuel cells while Vinssen will complete a power management system by combining four hydrogen fuel cells with ABB's electric motor.

Vinssen plans to mass-produce the eco-friendly ship ordered by Yeongam County, South Jeolla Province if it reaches the targetted performance level.

It would replace all vessels powered by internal combustion engines.
Meanwhile, Toyota collaborated with the French firm Energy Observer Project Team and startup HYNOVA Yachts to come up with a prototype in October, which sailed 7,000 nautical miles in the Atlantic Ocean.

The prototype, which is equipped with a REXH2 90kW hydrogen fuel cell system, is not yet suitable for commercialization due to low output.

Both firms are pursuing the application of hydrogen fuel cells to small ships due to their great commercial potential as there is a global tightening of regulations on carbon emissions.

Ships that sail on a combination of hydrogen fuel cells and batteries do not need charging, unlike pure electric ships. They also have relatively longer mileages.