ABB and HDF Energy have signed a joint development agreement to develop high-power hydrogen fuel cell units for marine applications, targeting megawatt-scale installations on large seagoing vessels.
The technology is expected to be suitable for vessels such as container feeder ships and liquefied hydrogen carriers, where fuel cells could be used to replace diesel auxiliary generators or operate as part of hybrid power systems, ABB said.
Pilot installations are planned for 2028–2029, with serial production targeted from 2030. The agreement builds on a memorandum of understanding signed by the two companies in 2020.
France-based HDF Energy will provide the fuel cell technology, while ABB will supply power converters, power management systems and electrical integration, including its Onboard DC Grid™ platform. The system is designed to integrate with other onboard power sources such as battery energy storage.
ABB said the fuel cells could also be used to support peak power demand during shore connection, particularly where port grid capacity is constrained.
Where powered by green hydrogen, the fuel cell units could deliver significant emissions reductions by decarbonising onboard electricity generation, rather than propulsion.
ABB said the project marks another step towards making fuel
