Fuel Cell News

Four Hanwha Group companies — Hanwha Power Systems, Hanwha Ocean, Hanwha Aerospace, and Hanwha Systems — signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with shipping company HMM and Korean Register (KR) to jointly develop and demonstrate next-generation carbon-free ship propulsion systems.The partners will jointly conduct concept design for next-generation propulsion systems — including an integrated solution combining an ammonia-based gas turbine and fuel cells for 7,000–8,000 TEU-class container vessels…

Lloyd’s Register (LR) has released updated guidance for the installation of fuel cells on ships, offering shipowners and shipbuilders a comprehensive framework to support the safe deployment of alternative power systems. The July 2025 edition of Guidance Notes on the Installation of Fuel Cells on Ships incorporates recent regulatory updates and technical developments related to fuel cell technology in the maritime sector. Fuel cells powered by hydrogen or ammonia are viewed as options for achieving zero or near net-zero tank-to-wake emissions.

Isotta Fraschini Motori (IFM), a Fincantieri subsidiary specializing in advanced fuel cell technologies, inaugurated a new production line dedicated to the development and testing of hydrogen fuel cell systems at its Bari shipyard.The inauguration ceremony was attended by Nicola Bonasia, Mayor of Modugno; Antonio Decaro, President of the European Parliament's Environmental Protection Commission; representatives of the President of the Puglia Region; the Mayor of Bari; and the Chief of Staff of the Italian Navy.

The hull of Lithuania’s first green hydrogen and electricity-powered ship has been launched by the Klaipėda State Seaport Authority.The tanker will accept waste from vessels entering the port when it enters operation later this year.The tanker’s main function is to collect storm water, sewage, sludge and garbage, and it will be equipped with special tanks and a modern rainwater treatment plant that will allow the treated water to be transferred to the city’s sewage treatment plants.

Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) has received an approval in principle (AiP) from Lloyd’s Register for the design of its ammonia fuel cell-powered very large ammonia carrier (VLAC).Ammonia fuel cell-powered VLAC, developed by SHI with the US-based fuel cell system developer Amogy, is an emission-free and eco-friendly vessel, which does not produce any sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), or carbon dioxide (CO2) with both of its main engines for propulsion and power generation…

Yanmar Power Technology has commercialized its marine hydrogen fuel cell system.The system is initially targeted at passenger ships, work boats, and cargo ships that navigate coastal areas where hydrogen replenishment is relatively easy.Yanmar participated in the development of Japan’s safety guidelines for hydrogen fuel cell ships and the formulation of a roadmap for the use of hydrogen in the shipping sector. It has also conducted demonstrations on test boats and performed 70 MPa high-pressure hydrogen filling tests.The system achieves zero emissions of CO2, NOx, SOx and PM.

Ponant has committed to a unique transoceanic ship design, Swap2Zero, that combines six new energy technologies.The ship is expected to be ready by 2030. Ponant has partnered with naval architect Stirling Design International, and discussions are ongoing to select a shipyard. The sail technology has not yet been decided on, with Ponant considering Ayro Oceanwings or Solid Sail technology.“By 2030, our future ship aims to have zero greenhouse gas emissions when sailing, manoeuvring, in port or at anchor. Her carbon footprint will be reduced throughout her life cycle.

China’s first hydrogen fuel cell powered boat “Three Gorges Hydrogen Boat No. 1” has been launched in Guangdong.“Three Gorges Hydrogen Boat No. 1” is a 164 foot long, 33 foot wide passenger catamaran capable of reaching a maximum speed of 17 miles/hr. It is powered by a 500 kW hydrogen fuel cell with a 1,800 kWh lithium battery system and has a range of 124 miles. The steel-hulled vessel has an aluminum superstructure and glass curtain wall construction.It is expected to lead…

Silversea Cruises has celebrated the keel laying of the cruise ship Silver Ray at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany.The 155-foot, 728-guest Silver Ray is the second ship in Silversea’s Nova class and is expected to enter service in summer 2024, following sister ship Silver Nova which is expected to enter service in summer 2023.The Nova-class ships will be fitted with dual-fuel LNG engines, energy storage and a 4MW fuel cell system. The system is the result of a research project involving Freudenberg e-Power Systems…

ABB and Ballard are progressing to decarbonize marine transport and have received an AiP from DNV for their high-power fuel cell concept, the development of which was launched in 2018. The high-power fuel cell unit is designed to be a flexible solution that will support the energy needs of a diverse range of vessels requiring multiple 3 MW blocks of power. A cruise vessel operating in coastal areas could either run entirely on fuel cell power or switch to it when operating in environmentally sensitive areas or emission control zones…