영암군, 국내 최초 수소연료전지 추진 선박 진수

The Korean Maritime and Ocean University (KOMSA) certification was acquired by the Yeongam County. This event coincided with the christening of the 'Hydro-Zenith', a domestic first, hydrogen fuel cell-driven ship, at the Daebul Industrial Complex. On the 18th, the ceremony took place at the headquarters of the eco-friendly ship manufacturing company, Bincent, with around 100 attendees from the shipbuilding and maritime industries, Jeonnam Province, and related organizations. This event signaled that Yeongam County, a core region for South Korea's shipbuilding industry, would lead the eco-friendly future shipbuilding industry. The Hydro-Zenith, christened on that day, is the result of the 'Hydrogen Fuel Cell-Powered Laser Ship Development and Demonstration Project' of Yeongam County and Jeonnam Province. This eco-friendly ship incorporates a marine-use hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system. The name 'Hydro-Zenith', derived from the combination of 'Hydro' (hydrogen) and 'Zenith' (apex), embodies the meaning of "the pinnacle of eco-friendly ships." The Korean Maritime and Ocean University's ship inspection and certification process demonstrated the reliability and feasibility of this technology for commercialization. The Hydro-Zenith, with a length of 17.4 meters and a total tonnage of 32 tons, features an aluminum hull and is equipped with a hybrid propulsion system consisting of two 100kW hydrogen fuel cells and four 92kWh lithium-ion batteries. This allows for zero-emission, low-noise, and high-efficiency operations. Particularly, this ship is being evaluated as an alternative for converting marine recreational and tourism vessels to eco-friendly options. Yeongam County, which has been building a foundation for the shipbuilding and maritime equipment industry centered on the Daebul Industrial Complex, aims to leap forward as a hub for eco-friendly and future-oriented shipbuilding industries with this hydrogen fuel cell ship christening. The county plans to accelerate the attraction of related companies, the creation of a new industrial ecosystem, and the demonstration and accumulation of technology in the hydrogen ship sector. Yeongam County Mayor Woo Seung-hui stated, "The christening of Hydro-Zenith is a significant turning point for Yeongam County to lead eco-friendly maritime industries and the hydrogen economy. By collaborating with shipbuilding companies, the government, Jeonnam Province, and others, we will foster eco-friendly shipbuilding as a new growth engine for the region."