VINSSEN Co., Ltd. (CEO Chil-hwan Lee) achieved a double win at World Hydrogen Expo 2025 (WHE 2025), held at KINTEX from December 4 to December 7, after being selected for the H2 Innovation Award and additionally receiving the H2 MEET Global Media Pick, an award presented by an international press corps to companies showcasing innovative technologies and products.
The H2 MEET Global Media Pick is an award program that introduces companies with innovative technologies and products from Korea and abroad to global audiences. Media outlets select outstanding companies on a country-by-country basis.
This year’s program featured five media outlets from five countries—H2 Energy News (UK), RenewablesNow (Bulgaria), H2 Mobile (France), SolarQuarter (India), and AVING News (Korea)—each selecting two companies and announcing them as the BEST OF WHE TOP 2.
The ten domestic and international companies that received the H2 MEET Global Media Pick are expected to gain momentum in global market expansion and new business opportunities through follow-up coverage by each participating media outlet.
Selected by UK-based H2 Energy News, VINSSEN is a Korean company that has built expertise in the eco-friendly maritime mobility sector since its establishment in 2017. The company has introduced hydrogen fuel-cell- and battery-based solutions, including marine fuel-cell systems, energy-storage systems (ESS), and eco-friendly boats, supporting sustainability in the maritime industry.
Based on these capabilities, VINSSEN is pursuing its vision to become the “Tesla of the Sea” and is preparing to emerge as a global leader in the eco-friendly vessel market. To this end, the company is concentrating its resources on developing next-generation solutions such as megawatt-class fuel cell systems and hybrid propulsion technologies, aiming to achieve both carbon neutrality and marine environmental protection.
At the exhibition, VINSSEN showcased its self-developed 100 kW-class marine hydrogen fuel cell system, promoting its vision for the next-generation mobility industry while earning high recognition for its capabilities in hydrogen utilization. The system, based on proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell technology, was introduced as an eco-friendly propulsion solution applicable to a wide range of vessels, including marine transport ships and leisure boats.
The system generates electricity through the electrochemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen and realizes zero-emission operation by emitting only water during use. Its modular design allows flexible scaling from small coastal passenger vessels to mid- and large-sized commercial ships, while ease of installation and maintenance enhances practicality. The system also supports hybrid configurations with battery-based electric propulsion, enabling optimized energy system design across diverse operating conditions.
VINSSEN’s fuel cell system integrates three subsystems—the fuel supply system (FPS), air supply system (APS), and thermal management system (TMS)—to ensure stability, durability, and output performance required in maritime environments. According to the company, this integration guarantees stable operation even under extreme temperature variations and vibration.
Notably, VINSSEN has obtained type approval and new technology qualification (NTQ) from the Korean Register (KR) and the international certification body RINA, and has met the onboard installation standards of the Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Authority (KOMSA). These achievements have positioned the company as an early mover in proving the commercial viability of marine fuel cell systems in Korea.
A VINSSEN official said, “Our 100kW-class fuel cell system will serve as a turning point for the commercialization of hydrogen-powered vessels in Korea. We are pleased that its innovation has been validated at WHE and that we have confirmed global market expectations for our technology.”
The official added, “VINSSEN will continue to strengthen its in-house R&D capabilities and expand domestic and international partnerships to support business growth and product advancement. We will also accelerate the development of larger systems, including 250kW- and megawatt-class models, to actively support the realization of truly eco-friendly maritime mobility.”
Meanwhile, the World Hydrogen Expo 2025 brings together hydrogen companies from around the world to showcase the latest technologies and trends and create opportunities for global collaboration. Starting this year, the Hydrogen International Conference and the hydrogen industry exhibition H2 MEET have been integrated into a single event combining exhibitions and conferences. Covering the entire hydrogen value chain—from production to storage, transportation, and utilization—the expo has established itself as a global hub for sharing innovative technologies and market strategies.