In the UK, Green Marine UK said its maritime initiative aiming to retrofit CTVs (Crew Transfer Vessels) with hydrogen, fuel cells and battery has been granted Approval in Principle (AiP) by global classification society RINA. Phase 1 of Project Verdant, involving a preliminary design and feasibility study, has now been completed and deemed viable, opening the door to subsequent project phases seeking to execute design, engineering and sea trials, the company said. Project Verdant’s conceptual design incorporates hydrogen fuel cells connected to electric motors, working in conjunction with existing diesel-fuelled engines, which can be shut down to enable zero emission operation at slow speed while servicing offshore wind farms, said Green Marine UK. Green Marine UK’s Managing Director Jason Schofield said obtaining AiP was a key objective for Project Verdant, providing confidence in the CTVs’ ability to operate safely in UK waters in accordance with the MCA (Maritime & Coastguard Agency) regulations and RINA Rules. “Following the review of a comprehensive package of design documentation and drawings, Project Verdant’s technical solution has been officially approved in principle by RINA,” he said. “With technical feedback supplied by RINA we now have all the necessary input to progress to the detailed design and implementation phase,” he added.
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