Hydrogen News

Ordering of alternative-fueled vessels is continuing to grow in 2025, despite a slowdown in the overall newbuild market. According to data from DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) platform, new orders for alternative-fueled vessels reached 19.8 million gross tonnes (GT) in the first six months of 2025, exceeding the 2024 figure by 78%. This marks a shift in capital allocation, as shipowners increasingly prioritize future-ready assets in response to regulatory pressure, fuel availability…

China's first hydrogen-electric tugboat, the Hydrogen-Electric Tug No.1, was officially put into service on Thursday at Qingdao Port, east China's Shandong Province. Compared to traditional fuel-powered tugboats, this vessel is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by over 1,500 tons annually, marking a breakthrough in terms of the application of hydrogen energy in China's shipping sector.The tugboat integrates the Beidou navigation system and is equipped with a hybrid power system combining hydrogen fuel cells and liquid-cooled lithium batteries, enabling zero carbon emissions.

ABS and the Hydrogen Ship Technology Center at Pusan National University have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the joint research and technology development of liquid hydrogen carriers and cryogenic engineering.Mass transportation of liquefied hydrogen, which is stored at minus 253 degrees Celsius, is a cutting-edge technology that has not yet been successfully commercialized due to its high technical difficulty.The agreement establishes a cooperative framework for…

Uruguay's state-run energy firm Ancap plans to launch a bidding round for natural hydrogen exploration and development by the end of the year, with offers expected in 2026, executives said on Wednesday.Ancap is also exploring a bidding round for carbon capture investment, to be launched potentially in 2027, the firm's representatives said at a conference in Houston.Uruguay is considered a promising region by geologists for natural hydrogen exploration due to the significant presence of the element in its rocks.While Uruguay's government has prioritized green hydrogen production as part of its

Wärtsilä Gas Solutions and Höegh Evi have successfully completed development of the world’s first floating ammonia-to-hydrogen cracker. This technology enables floating import terminals to produce hydrogen at industrial-scale volumes from transported ammonia, marking a step in the energy transition. The project was announced in April 2023 and is part of Norway’s green platform program.The industrial-scale ammonia cracker has a modular design that allows integration into both hybrid…

Tsuneishi Shipbuilding launched Japan’s first tugboat to be equipped with a hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine (ICE). This vessel was launched in late March at Tsuneishi Factory, equipped with a high-power output hydrogen dual-fuel ICE and a high-pressure hydrogen gas storage system with large-capacity and supply. It also used “JGreeX” which are produced by JFE Steel Corporation as green steel for all of its steel plates.The tugboat is installed with twin 12-cylinder hydrogen-blended engines (4…

The maritime industry has worked with a single fuel source for over a century and with the rush to meet emission standards in both domestic and foreign markets, adapting to the current list of alternative fuels is going to present significant problems. Each market has its issues whether bluewater, brownwater, coastal, foreign or domestic.Chose any of the larger global shipbuilding yards and the basic bluewater ship design will include a large two stroke combustion engine.To remove…

China's first integrated offshore hydrogen-ammonia-methanol project, which will produce clean fuels for ships, has entered the trial operation phase in Yantai, in eastern Chinse province of Shandong.Jointly developed by CHN Energy Hydrogen Energy Technology, CIMC Raffles and Guoneng Hydrogen Innovation Technology (Beijing), the initiative represents the nation’s first comprehensive demonstration project for offshore hydrogen production, storage, transportation and utilization…

This past month Maritime Reporter TV has taken a close look at two hydrogen fuel cell projects: the new research vessel planned for Scripps Institution of Oceanography and e1 Marine’s methanol-to-hydrogen technology which is being adopted by STAX Engineering for its emissions capture barges.The Scripps California Coastal Research Vessel will feature a hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system that will allow it to operate with no greenhouse gas or other emissions for 75% of its missions – and for all of its time operating in state waters.

Viking and Fincantieri have announced that the Viking Libra, the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship, capable of operating with zero emissions is scheduled for delivery in 2026.The vessel is already under construction at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard, and Viking’s subsequent ocean ship, the Viking Astrea, is also currently under construction and scheduled for delivery in 2027.Both vessels will have a hybrid propulsion system partly powered by hydrogen-fueled fuel cells…

The marine industry at large slowly evolves on fuel transition, as the questions on regulation, technology and finance of emerging technologies cumulatively works to stunt growth. Enter Dave Lee, Executive Director,  e1 Marine. Dave Lee is certainly no stranger to advanced marine technology, as he also serves as VP of Innovation and Technology @ Maritime Partners, and held a similar position previously with ABB. Read aoub the e1 Marine plan to effectively enable hydrogen as a marine fuel…

The European Commission has presented its Clean Industrial Deal which aims to accelerate decarbonization while securing the future of manufacturing in Europe.President Ursula von der Leyen said: “Europe is not only a continent of industrial innovation, but also a continent of industrial production. However, the demand for clean products has slowed down, and some investments have moved to other regions. We know that too many obstacles still stand in the way of our European companies from high energy prices to excessive regulatory burden.

The Bilbao Port Authority participated in the 1st Conference of the Chambers of Commerce and Hydrogen Valleys of the Atlantic Arc. The event, held at the Energy Intelligence Center (EIC) in Abanto-Zierbena, brought together the Chambers of Commerce of the Atlantic Arc, an alliance involving Chambers from Portugal, Spain, and France to improve the competitiveness of the region, with hydrogen valleys and clusters from the Cantabrian coast.In his presentation, Andima Ormaetxe, Director of Operations…

Austal Limited said that Austal Australasia has been awarded a contract valued between A$265 and A$275 million by Gotlandsbolaget of Sweden for the design and construction of a 130-m combined cycle, ‘hydrogen-ready’ vehicle passenger ferry. Part of Gotlandsbolaget’s ‘Horizon X’ program, the high-speed ROPAX catamaran will be the largest vessel ever constructed by Austal, and feature a unique, highly efficient combined cycle propulsion system that includes both gas and steam turbines – reportedly a first for high-speed craft.

Norwegian shipping firm Hoegh Evi expects to take a final investment decision (FID) this year on an ammonia-derived hydrogen project to deliver clean fuel into dedicated German grids, chief executive Erik Nyheim said.The company operates three of its nine floating storage and regasification units (FSRU) for LNG along the German coast, diversifying the country's supply origins since the 2022 energy crisis.With an eye on Germany's long-term decarbonization goals, Hoegh and private firm Deutsche ReGas are jointly developing a floating hydrogen import terminal at Lubmin on the Baltic Sea with an a

UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography issued a request for proposals (RFP) to select a shipyard for the final design and construction of its new 163-ft. Coastal Class Research Vessel (CCRV), reportedly the first oceanographic research ship to primarily operate on renewable fuels.The vessel will feature a dual-powered hydrogen fuel cell and diesel-electric propulsion system, capable of conducting 75% of its missions using only liquid hydrogen. When running on hydrogen…

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.

Yanmar Power Technology has received Japanese government approval for its production plans for hydrogen-fueled engines and fuel cells.The planned project aims to establish an advanced production system for zero-emission ships powered by hydrogen and batteries.In August 2023, Yanmar introduced a hydrogen fuel cell system for marine use. Additionally, Yanmar has completed onshore tests of a pilot-ignition hydrogen 4-stroke high-speed engine for power generation in coastal vessels, achieving a rated output of approximately 500 kW.

SEFE Securing Energy for Europe and marine infrastructure provider Höegh Evi have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop international supply chains for clean hydrogen to be delivered to Germany and other locations in Europe.The partners will analyze the technical and commercial feasibility of various corridors for the supply of clean hydrogen based on ammonia.The objective of the agreement is to implement international supply chains for clean hydrogen.

The 2025 TU Delft Hydro Motion Team, a team of 25 adult students, has designed a hydrofoiling boat that will be powered by liquified hydrogen.Their project builds on the work of previous students at the Dutch university in a program dating back to 2005.The first TU Delft design was solar powered; it was changed to compressed hydrogen in 2021.The 2024 team focused on applying hydrogen fuel to a seaworthy vessel and made history as the first hydrogen-powered boat to cross the North Sea.The 2025 team’s boat will be entered in the Monaco Sea Lab 2025.

DNV awarded an AiP to HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) for its innovative vacuum-insulated large-scale liquefied hydrogen tank, another advancement in providing practical storage solutions for liquefied hydrogen (LH2).Developing cost-effective and flexible large-scale liquid hydrogen storage with higher safety, and lower operational and capital cost is essential if LH2 is to realize its promise for decarbonizing industries such as transportation, shipping, and power generation.

Fabrum, a New Zealand company, has collaborated on the design and build of a zero-emission hydrogen-powered boat H2Ocean with King Watercraft, a developer of sophisticated New Zealand made rigid inflatable boats. The H2Ocean hydrogen-powered rigid inflatable boat (RIB), a zero-emissions solution suitable for tourism, commercial and leisure activities, will begin sea trials in January 2025. The boat can be adapted to suit the environment and operations of the end user – and be equipped to carry up to 12 people…

Hycamite TCD Technologies, MOLEA, a subsidiary of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, and MOL PLUS have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) promoting the application of methane-splitting for onboard power generation.With Hycamite’s technology, LNG-fueled ships can convert methane into hydrogen as they sail, and the solid carbon produced can be offloaded at the port of destination. If bioLNG is used, the solution can create a negative carbon footprint.Earlier this year, Hycamite announced development of a system that…