Hydrogen fuel cell power systems integrator Genevos has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Acua Ocean, a UK manufacturer of hydrogen-powered Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs), for a commercial collaboration to develop next-generation hydrogen-powered USVs.

Genevos is a cleantech spin-off from ‘OceansLab – Cleantech Accelerator‘, an ocean racing campaign and sports management company that showcases renewable energy technologies for a clean maritime industry.

The announcement was made on the opening day of Hyvolution, a three-day European hydrogen event held in Paris from 30 January to 1 February 2024.

The collaboration will focus on developing a fully integrated hydrogen marine fuel cell into a USV. Genevos says that, being powered by green hydrogen, this H-USV will have zero toxic emissions, lower maintenance costs, and offer increased reliability and autonomy offshore, as compared to a diesel equivalent.

Acua Ocean develops low-emission USVs for ocean monitoring and data collection across the security, offshore energy and marine conservation sectors. Compared to existing manned solutions, the H-USV has lower refuelling requirements, allowing for increased range, speed and endurance, increasing operations on-site by up to 40 days.

Genevos 40 kW Hydrogen Power Module (‘HPM-40') © Genevos

Genevos 40 kW Hydrogen Power Module (‘HPM-40′). Image courtesy of Genevos

In November 2023, Acua Ocean developed and completed phase one testing on a hydrogen-powertrain system. Through this new partnership, the companies will now optimise this prototype to integrate a novel 40 kW Hydrogen Power Module, developed by Genevos. This upgrade will benefit from a marinised and commercially certified marine fuel cell, providing increased capacity and power for payload.

“We at Acua Ocean are excited to be working with Genevos and to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission technology in the broader marine sector,” says Acua Ocean chief executive Neil Tinmouth. “Critical to this decision is Genevos’ focus on marinisation and their understanding of the robustness and reliability required of technology solutions operating in open ocean conditions, as well as their commitment to achieving class certification having already achieved LR Approval in Principle.”

Rebecca Sharp, chief executive of Genevos, adds: “USVs are undergoing significant global demand due to their high autonomy, which benefits applications from environmental and climate monitoring to commercial surveillance.

“Supporting pioneering USV manufacturers, such as Acua Ocean, with a clean energy solution, is a key goal of ours, ensuring that new vessels are launched with modern technologies that make sense for our environment. We are delighted to be working with Acua Ocean and foresee a very exciting future together.”

Last year, MIN reported that Acua Ocean had confirmed its intention to merge with HydroSurv, another UK-based company specialising in maritime autonomous systems.

The new company, to be named Blue Ocean Autonomy, will deliver turnkey solutions across a broad spectrum of capabilities, covering the inland, nearshore and offshore sectors.

Main image courtesy of Acua Ocean.

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