Bureau Veritas , a world leader in testing, inspection, and certification, recently approved the second generation of the REXH2® developed by Energy Observer Developments , a turnkey power generator for the supply of low carbon electricity on board ships. The hydrogen PEM fuel cell at its heart makes it possible to meet energy needs ranging from 70 kW to about one megawatt when several REXH2® are installed in parallel.

The Approval in Principle (AIP) obtained by EODev for its REXH2® fuel cell design follows a thorough design review against the latest classification rules and regulations, assessing its compliance with the IGF Code specific safety regulations for vessels using gases and low-flashpoint fuels. It also follows the recently released BV NR 547, applicable to the use of fuel cells onboard ships.

Collaborating closely through all the stages of development of the final product, Bureau Veritas and EODev achieved the AIP in record time to allow the start of serial production of the much-awaited marine power generator. The procedure to obtain Type Approval on the definitive version of the new REXH2® has already started and is expected to be completed by the end of 2022.

This achievement was also made possible thanks to the collaboration initiated between EODev and Bureau Veritas that led to the validation of the first generation EODev’s REXH2® unit in Spring 2021, which was extensively tested onboard Energy Observer and the Hynova Yachts’ demonstrator The New Era.

Among the key evolutions between the two generations of REXH2® are the integration of the cooling and power management system and a comprehensive safety system, enabling more flexibility for shipyards and naval architects to consider the use of the REXH2® into existing vessels and less constraints for its integration into new projects.

Both EODev’s and Bureau Veritas’ missions are to ensure the safe implementation of hydrogen technologies and promote the use of hydrogen as an energy source to support the decarbonisation of the shipping industry. BV and EODev will therefore continue to cooperate on the following activities:

• Perform preliminary assessment of new marine hydrogen power solutions developed by EODev
• Share technical expertise regarding hydrogen technologies to enable ramp-up of hydrogen usage on-board ships
• Leverage relevant Class rules and Regulatory frameworks

Jeremie Lagarrigue, EODev’s CEO, highlighted: “Energy Observer was the first to install a hydrogen fuel cell onboard an ocean-going vessel back in 2017. EODev was then the first company to integrate a more powerful version of its original Range Extender into the Energy Observer catamaran, thanks to collaboration with long-standing hydrogen expert Toyota, in 2019. Then came a fully certified recreational day-boat in 2021; and now in 2022 we reach another milestone with the launch of our full-scale serial production of the latest compact, “plug & play”, REXH2® that uses Toyota’s latest fuel cell technology. All along we’ve worked with Bureau Veritas, and all along they’ve been not only a great supporter of our undertakings, but also a great partner to help make everything right so as to speed up the clean energy transition with the best and safest solutions.”

Laurent Leblanc, Senior Vice President Technical & Operations at Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, commented: “As a classification society, Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore works with industry players across the maritime industry, from offshore operators, to ship owners, to port authorities. BV’s ambition is to enable our customers to tackle the energy transition. We use our expertise to help advance innovation, safety and performance and to make possible forward-looking solutions. As we help clients comply with environmental regulations, implement green solutions onboard, measure decarbonization progress, and more, the collaboration with EODev is another testament to our ambition and commitment that we are particularly proud of.”