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Published on 22 July 2025
Kinell, a FÉTIS Group brand dedicated to decarbonisation and technological innovation, has obtained Approval in Principle (AiP) issued by the Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore for an integrated hydrogen storage and supply system under the main deck of a vessel.
This recognition marks a major milestone in the development of safe, compact and certifiable hydrogen solutions for the maritime sector.
First recognition for hydrogen storage under bridges
The AiP obtained by Kinell concerns the integration of a compressed hydrogen storage system in a confined space, positioned under the vessel’s main deck.
This positioning represents a significant advance in the design of low carbon vessel, opening up new architectural possibilities while complying with maritime safety requirements.
This is a significant step forward in France and more broadly in Europe.
A hydrogen system that complies with the most stringent regulatory requirements
The system validated by Bureau Veritas is based on:
- Compressed hydrogen gas storage;
- Type IV tanks;
- Fuel cell power supply;
- Integration in a confined space below deck.
The assessment confirmed the concept’s compliance with Bureau Veritas Rule Note NR678, dedicated to hydrogen-powered vessels.
The AiP was issued in accordance with the regulatory requirements applicable to SOLAS passenger vessels, considered to be among the most stringent in the maritime industry.
The result of an R&D programme dedicated to hydrogen safety
This recognition is the result of an in-depth R&D programme conducted by Kinell teams in collaboration with the design office, focusing on:
- Hydrogen risk analysis in marine environments;
- Risk reduction and mitigation;
- The development of advanced safety features;
- The design of dedicated components adapted to maritime constraints.
Some of the technical components developed within this framework incorporate specific safety features designed for reliable operation in demanding marine environments.
A key step towards decarbonising the maritime sector
With this Approval in Principle, Kinell confirms its commitment to developing safe, certifiable and scalable hydrogen propulsion solutions adapted to the real constraints of the maritime sector.
This milestone paves the way for new hydrogen projects, applications on passenger and commercial vessels, and an acceleration of the energy transition in the naval sector.
About Kinell
Kinell is the FÉTIS Group brand dedicated to decarbonizations, electrification, automation and software development for off-highway machinery, specialized vehicles, professional and recreational marine applications, and energy production.
Structured around several specialized activities (Mobility, Engineering and soon Marine), Kinell offers comprehensive solutions and technological building blocks. Kinell supports OEMs in the design, integration and development of high-performance, reliable machines in their energy transition. Its offering covers the entire innovation cycle: design of low-carbon propulsion systems, development of embedded software, connected services, etc.
About FÉTIS Group
FÉTIS Group is a privately owned international engineering group focusing on the industries of heavy mobility, marine and on-site power. From it’s base in Nantes, France, it has growth to over 700 employees in 9 countries.
Press contact
Béatrice Nguyen
bnguyen@fetis.group
+33 (0)6 99 62 60 28
