Approval in Principle (AiP) has been awarded to Genevos for the complete hydrogen energy system installation on board the IMOCA ‘OceansLab – Cleantech Accelerator’. The approval was provided by Lloyds Register (“LR”), a leading provider of classification and global services in marine engineering and technology.
The awarded AiP includes the validation of the hydrogen system design and safety concept in addition to the full hydrogen installation, storage and power systems. The technical review, inspection, and tests certified the full energy system in accordance with maritime safety standards. This follows on from the 2021 AiP awarded to Genevos for their 15 kW Hydrogen Power Module (“HPM-15”) installed in the IMOCA, and for the use on ocean going ships, yachts, and Special Service Craft.
The vessel, a pioneering hydrogen-electric IMOCA yacht named ‘OceansLab – Cleantech Accelerator’, is intended for professional ocean racing, with a core objective to demonstrate clean technologies for the maritime environment. The yacht will compete in transatlantic and around-the-world races collecting valuable data on new power technologies, notably the performance of fuel cells operating in an offshore environment. Ultimately, the project aims to set new standards for hydrogen power and storage in the maritime sector.
“LR is pleased to award AiP to Genevos for their hydrogen installation onboard the OceansLab – Cleantech Accelerator race boat after a thorough certification process. Throughout our 260-year history we have always strived to support innovation in maritime and this approval in principle signposts the valuable role competitive ocean racing can have in testing alternative fuels such as hydrogen.” Commented Tariq Berdai, LR Business Manager for France & Monaco.
IMOCA ‘OceansLab – Cleantech Accelerator’. Credit PuraVida Images.
In November the OceansLab race yacht became one of the first vessels to be fuelled with green hydrogen, which took place in the port of Chef de Baie, La Rochelle, and that was distributed by project Cleantech Hub Partner Brétéché.
“Last month we successfully achieved two important breakthroughs worldwide for hydrogen use in the maritime sector: completing one of the first fuellings of a vessel with green hydrogen, and achieving a safety validation from LR of the full hydrogen system installation. This was the result of a strong collaboration between ‘first-movers’ that succeeded in their mission.
“Today, these results will no doubt have a profound drop-down effect into the maritime sector, accelerating the transition towards true zero emission vessels.” Confirmed Phil Sharp, CTO and co-founder of Genevos, and skipper of OceansLab.
Following initial offshore trails, the IMOCA will continue performance optimization throughout the winter months before relaunch ahead the first major transatlantic event, The Transat CIC, next April.
Genevos team on board the IMOCA ‘OceansLab – Cleantech Accelerator’. Credit Olivier Blanchet.
Phil Sharp: CTO at Genevos and skipper of OceansLab. Credit Olivier Blanchet.
One of two hydrogen tanks on board the IMOCA. Credit Olivier Blanchet.
About Genevos
Enabling marine hydrogen fuel cell power
Genevos is a specialist in hydrogen and fuel cell systems integration for the maritime sector. The company’s unique value proposition is in the deployment of a Complete H2-Pack featuring pioneering fuel cell modules, engineering, commissioning, optimisation and maintenance services. Our award-winning and drop-in marine fuel cell module revolutionises maritime power by offering an environmentally friendly solution with high scalability and redundancy.
Genevos prides itself in its contribution to accelerating the clean hydrogen transition by making accessible an end-to-end solution for achieving zero emissions transport.
Lloyd’s Register (LR)
Trusted maritime advisors, partnering with clients to drive performance across the ocean economy.
Lloyd’s Register is a global professional services company specialising in marine engineering and technology. Our Marine and Offshore business is a leading provider of classification and compliance services to the marine and offshore industries, helping our clients design, construct and operate their assets to high levels of safety and environmental compliance.In the drive for efficiency in the ocean economy, our Maritime Performance Services help businesses to reach their full potential – now and into the future. Our Digital Products let the data speak for itself, combining modern digital tools with deep technical expertise.
Lloyd’s Register is wholly owned by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, a politically and financially independent global charity that promotes safety and education. All of this helps us stand by the purpose that drives us every single day; working together for a safer world.
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