RINA has granted an approval in principle (AiP) to ST Engineering Marine for a retrofit concept involving the installation of a hydrogen‑powered fuel cell system onboard ‘Asean Raider I’, a 25m aluminium fast passenger ferry operated by BatamFast.
The AiP covers the substitution of one of the vessel’s auxiliary diesel generator sets with a hydrogen fuel cell system, supported by supplementary lithium‑ion batteries. The proposed solution aims to reduce carbon emissions while ensuring appropriate levels of safety, performance and regulatory compliance for passenger operations.
The assessment was carried out in accordance with the process described in the RINA Guide for Approval in Principle for Novel Technologies, based on the technical criteria set out in the RINA Rules for the Classification of Ships, the International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low‑flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code) and the International Code on Intact Stability.
The AiP activities were performed by RINA’s South Asia Pacific plan approval centre, which supported the project through the assessment of this novel application of hydrogen fuel cell technology to an existing fast passenger ferry.
Lim Nian Hua, Deputy President, Marine, ST Engineering, said: “This approval in principle represents a key feasibility milestone in expanding our retrofitting capabilities, as we explore practical pathways to introduce hydrogen fuel cell technology into maritime operations. Achieved in collaboration with RINA, it validates the robustness of our retrofit concept and demonstrates our engineering expertise to safely integrate new technologies into existing vessels. This work will advance the adoption of lower‑emission solutions for maritime applications, while maintaining a strong focus on safety and regulatory compliance.”
Yong Song Pang, RINA South Asia Pacific Marine Executive Director, added: “This project demonstrates how approval in principle can be used as an effective tool to assess innovative solutions at an early stage, particularly for alternative fuels and energy systems. By supporting this feasibility study, RINA aims to facilitate informed design decisions and help smooth the transition from concept to detailed engineering for novel technologies applied to existing vessels.”
Image: RINA has awarded AiP to ST Engineering’s fuel cell retrofit project (source: RINA)
