HDF Energy and ABB’s Marine & Ports division have signed a joint-development agreement to develop a scalable high-power maritime fuel cell system for propulsion and auxiliary power of vessels.

Maritime transport generates around 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Supporting the IMO (International Maritime Organisation)’s ambition to reduce the environmental footprint of maritime transport, meeting this challenge requires a shift to clean propulsion and auxiliary technologies capable of enabling zero-emission operations — allowing ship operators to comply with tightening environmental regulations, cut port-side emissions, and contribute to cleaner coastal waters.

The partnership between ABB and HDF Energy is purpose-built to help meet global decarbonisation targets. The high-power fuel cell will provide ship owners, operators, naval architects and shipyards with a proven, clean hydrogen-powered solution to propel vessels such as passenger ferries, cruise ships, container ships, offshore service vessels and coast guard fleets, while also powering their auxiliary systems (production of electricity on-board, air-conditioning power supply).