Meanwhile, the use of 'mobile power sources' and 'fuel cells' is now allowed as power sources for electric propulsion vessels, which were previously only permitted to use lithium-ion batteries.
A requirement to dualize the propulsion system has also been newly established to ensure that vessels can maintain propulsion power even if the electric propulsion equipment fails.
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced that it will revise the 'standards for electric propulsion vessels' to allow for more new technologies to be applied in the field of electric propulsion vessels, starting from the 29th.
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries had established the standards for electric propulsion vessels in 2020. According to these standards, over 50 electric propulsion vessels (including hybrid vessels) are currently being built and operated in the country.
The revised standards include ▲criteria for fuel cell and mobile power source propulsion vessels ▲requirements for the dual installation of key electric propulsion facilities to enhance the reliability of propulsion systems ▲grounds for the installation of gas detectors and fire extinguishers in battery rooms for swift response in case of a fire. Additionally, it allows for the omission of risk assessments when building the same vessel.
A representative of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries noted, 'We revised the standards to enhance the safety of electric propulsion vessels and to allow for vessels utilizing various new technologies related to electric propulsion to be built.'