The South Korean-based marine technology company will provide a fuel cell system built from six of its 2MW 2.0 modules. The system is expected to power the LR2 tanker’s propulsion, cargo handling, and onboard energy systems.

The technology supply agreement comes shortly after Bureau Veritas awarded an Approval in Principle (AiP) to MISC Berhad (MISC) and Samsung Heavy Industries for its ammonia-powered vessel design.

“By leading the integration of PEM fuel cell systems into the world’s first ammonia-fuelled vessel concept, Vinssen is setting new benchmarks for clean propulsion in commercial shipping,” explained Chilhan Lee, Vinssen CEO.

Vinssen said the project marks a breakthrough for marine fuel cell technology, moving beyond small vessels and auxiliary power toward full-scale propulsion on large commercial ships.

The initiative marks a major scale-up from Vinssen’s earlier work. In October 2024, it deployed a 600kW PEM fuel cell system on a leisure boat.

More recently, Vinssen secured AiP from Korean Register for a 2,700kW fuel cell system designed to power a hydrogen tugboat for port operations.

The collaboration with Panasia, MISC and Samsung forms part of a broader drive to decarbonise shipping. The sector is responsible for around 3% of global CO₂ emissions and is turning to alternative fuels like ammonia.

Its high energy density, liquid storage, and ability to use existing infrastructure make it attractive. But while it can fuel engines, it cannot be used directly in PEM fuel cells without cracking.