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Hydrogen Solution

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Our areas of expertise

Our hydrogen (H2) propulsion systems are based on a comprehensive architecture that incorporates the following components:

High-pressure tanks (Type IV)

  • High-strength composites, available in 350, 500 and 750 bar,

  • Designed for demanding marine environments.

Modular fuel cells

  • Range from 5 kW to 200 kW,

    Modularity allowing adaptation to requirements (pleasure/river/maritime).

Hydrogen-powered combustion engines

  • Possible solutions: H2/diesel or 100% hydrogen depending on the application.

  • Immediate reduction in emissions, engine integration identical to a conventional combustion engine.

Hydrogen safety systems

  • Ventilation and fire safety,

  • High-sensitivity H2 leak detection,

  • ATEX* compliance,

  • Filling control and traceability.

    *ATEX: Explosive Atmospheres, European directive on equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.

Battery

  • LFP, NMC or LTO lithium-ion batteries,

  • Marine certifications (DNV, BV, RINA depending on project),

  • Modules can be expanded depending on the desired cycles and range.

  • Batteries Lithium-ION LFP, NMC ou encore LTO,

  • Certifications marines (DNV, BV, RINA selon projets),

  • Modules extensibles selon les cycles et l’autonomie souhaitée.

Charging systems

  • AC/DC charger for alternative sources (dock, generator),

  • DC/DC converter for continuous sources (solar, hydrogen, auxiliary batteries),

  • Bidirectional converters.

Energy management interface (marine HMI)

  • Complete system supervision: tanks, stack, distribution, backup

  • Intuitive interface tailored to crews and operators.

Specific technical development

Hydrogen storage under deck

Kinell develops integrated hydrogen storage architectures under decks. One of our architectures has also obtained Approval in Principle (AiP) from Bureau Veritas for the installation of tanks under the main deck.
This validation demonstrates the feasibility, regulatory compliance and safety of this type of integration in a maritime context.

Advantages:

  • Frees up space on deck for passengers and operations,
  • Better protection for equipment (impact, weather, UV exposure),
  • SOLAS*-compliant integration within the project,
  • Optimisation of the ship’s centre of gravity and weight distribution.

*SOLAS: Safety of Life at Sea, international convention for the safety of life at sea

Hydrogen refuelling solutions

We integrate different hydrogen refuelling methods depending on usage, available infrastructure and operational constraints. Each solution is studied and validated in collaboration with the authorities and classification societies.

Exchangeable H2 bottle containers

Advantages:

  • Very fast refuelling,
  • No heavy infrastructure required in ports,
  • Ideal for professional fleets (service vessels, daily operations).

Refuelling using a high-pressure nozzle (350/500 bar)

Advantages:

  • Simple, controlled and secure procedure,
  • Compatible with land stations or port equipment,
  • Automated monitoring of filling (pressure, temperature, flow rate).

H2 components

All components integrated into our hydrogen systems are selected for their strength, durability and maritime compliance.

They are validated in a marine environment to ensure safe, efficient and reliable operation:

  • Stainless steel components suitable for saline environments,
  • Resistance to vibrations, shocks and temperature variations,
  • ATEX-compatible equipment according to the zones defined for the vessel,
  • Integration of safety devices: ventilation, leak detection, automatic shut-off,
  • Complete traceability and documentation for classification societies.

Mobile hydrogen solutions

H2 mobile storage container

Flexible solution for hydrogen storage or refuelling in port environments or during testing.

Technical specifications:

  • Format: 20 ISO feet,
  • Capacity:
    • 380 bar → 404 kg H₂,
    • 500 bar → 491 kg H₂.
  • Certifications: ADR & ADN, Lloyd’s Register approval,
  • Mass: ~14 000 kg.

Uses: ship-to-ship refuelling, temporary stations, integration tests.

Mobile hydrogen refuelling station

Autonomous mobile unit for refuelling ships, prototypes and land-based systems.
Ideal for ports, shipyards, remote areas or demonstrators.

Technical specifications:

  • Power supply: 230/400 VAC,
  • Integrated PAC: 5 kW,
  • Inlet pressure: PN 5/300,
  • Work pressure: PN 500,
  • Outlet pressure: 350 / 500 bar,
  • Compressor flow rate: 0,5–1 kg/h,
  • Internal storage: ~24 kg H₂,
  • Weight: 2 000 kg, trailer configuration,
  • Spray gun: WEH TK16 – 35 MPa.

Applications

Our hydrogen propulsion systems can be adapted to many types of vessels: passenger transport, workboats (port services, shipyards, inspection), coastal fishing vessels, river vessels (barges, push boats) as well as pleasure boats and yachts.

Our other solutions

Kinell offers other marine propulsion systems: electric and hybrid.

Fully electric

A 100% clean and silent solution, ideal for river, coastal and environmentally sensitive areas.

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Hybrid

Thermal/electrical combination and/or other optimised technology to reduce consumption and increase range.

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Ready to integrate hydrogen into your next vessel?

Our experts design and integrate hydrogen (H2) propulsion systems tailored to your boat type, usage and regulatory constraints.

Speak to our experts