The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has granted Approval in Principle (AIP) to Glosten, a US-based naval architecture and marine engineering firm, for the innovative design of the University of California San Diego’s new hydrogen-hybrid Coastal-Class Research Vessel (CCRV).
Meeting Diverse Regulatory Standards
In March, Glosten, along with Siemens Energy—the project’s electrical integrator—completed the preliminary design for the hydrogen-hybrid CCRV.
This vessel, which complies with the California Air Resource Board (CARB), uninspected vessel standards, and ABS classification, also serves as an alternative design under SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea). According to Glosten, the CCRV had to navigate “a complex regulatory regime.”
Comprehensive Risk Assessment
Prior to seeking approval, Glosten conducted a comprehensive week-long risk assessment workshop involving the US Coast Guard (USCG), Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Siemens Energy, Ballard Power System, and Chart Industries. This collaboration ensured the design’s compliance with all necessary safety and technical standards.
The ABS approval confirms that the CCRV design adheres to ABS’s technical and safety requirements. It also validates the feasibility of hydrogen fuel cell propulsion for medium-sized coastal vessels. Once constructed, the hydrogen-hybrid research vessel will be the first of its kind globally.
Origins of the Hydrogen-Hybrid Vessel
The project began in 2018 with a feasibility study conducted by Glosten, Scripps Oceanography, Sandia National Laboratories, and DNV.
The study evaluated the technical, regulatory, and economic viability of the Zero-V concept—a vessel powered by fuel cells and liquid hydrogen designed to meet Scripps’ performance and environmental standards.
Once operational, Scripps Institution of Oceanography will helm the CCRV, marking it as the world’s premier hydrogen-hybrid research vessel. The ship’s hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system will enable zero-emission operations, making it an eco-friendly solution for marine research.
A Premier Oceanographic Research Tool
This hydrogen-hybrid research vessel aims to aid Scripps and its researchers in studying the marine ecosystem along the California coast without environmental harm.
“Our objective is to create a fully functional ocean-going research vessel that meets the demands of our scientists and students,” said Bruce Applegate, associate director of Scripps, in a news release. Applegate also emphasized that the research would “minimize environmental impact.”
The next phase involves advancing the CCRV to a functional-level design, followed by soliciting bids to initiate construction. This step will bring the groundbreaking vessel closer to reality.