AiP for Corvus Energy and Hyundai Mipo electric product tanker

Corvus Energy and HD Hyundai Mipo have been awarded Approval in Principle (AiP) by DNV for a product tanker design with a carbon-free propulsion system based on Corvus fuel cells. The setup combines hydrogen fuel cell technology with an ammonia cracking process to source the hydrogen, resulting in zero-emission propulsion. The design incorporates an 8.8-MWh Corvus Pelican Fuel Cell system and a 2-MWh energy storage system.  

The shipboard process consists of feeding hydrogen into the fuel cell to produce electricity for the vessel’s propulsion and auxiliary requirements. If the ammonia is ‘green’, the only emissions are nitrogen and water vapour, the partners said.

Hyundai Mipo’s executive vice president and head of its Design Divisions, Dongjin Lee, commented: “We are committed to shaping the future of sustainable shipping through innovation and partnerships. The selection of Corvus Energy’s inherently gas-safe fuel cell system was driven by the overall safety and Corvus’ experience in electric propulsion systems. This design collaboration represents a major milestone in our journey to deliver commercially viable, carbon-free vessel designs that meet the highest safety and environmental standards.

Svenn Kjetil Haveland, interim head of Fuel Cell at Corvus Energy, added: “We are very proud to collaborate with HD Hyundai Mipo on this groundbreaking green product tanker design. Ammonia is easier to store due to its volumetric energy density and less extreme storage conditions. By integrating our modular, inherently gas-safe hydrogen fuel cell system and marine energy storage system, we help set a new standard for sustainable maritime transportation.”