PowerCell Secures SEK 44 Million Deal For 1 MW Marine Fuel Cell System With Italian OEM

In a major step toward scaling marine decarbonization technologies, PowerCell has signed a SEK 44 million agreement with a leading Italian marine OEM for the development and delivery of a new high-power marine fuel cell system.

The project, centered on PowerCell’s next-generation MS-500 fuel cell platform, will generate SEK 11 million in revenue in 2025 and marks the first commercial adoption of PowerCell’s MW-class stack technology.

Unveiling the MS-500 System: Power and Efficiency Combined

The MS-500 will deliver up to 1 MW of net electrical output through two integrated units. Built on PowerCell’s High-Density Stack (HDS) platform, the system targets auxiliary power for ships, with scalability toward main propulsion in the future.

• Compact design allows containerized installation.

• Higher output within the same footprint enhances installation flexibility.

• Built to meet marine class requirements, aiming for type approval by 2028.

A New Chapter in Marine Fuel Cell Commercialization

This agreement signifies a turning point in marine fuel cell adoption:

• Follows the 2023 commercial success of the Marine System 225.

• Reflects a broader market shift from pilot projects to large-scale deployment.

• Aligns with IMO’s emissions regulations, targeting reductions in GHG, NOₓ, SOₓ, and particulates.

PowerCell CEO Richard Berkling stated:

“This agreement is about scale, precision, and continued progress” 

Strategic Partnership and Industry Impact

The unnamed Italian OEM partner brings deep marine system integration experience, helping ensure the MS-500 meets operational, safety, and regulatory requirements. The deal underlines the growing commercial readiness for hydrogen fuel cells in vessel architecture as part of long-term decarbonization strategies.

With this first commercial order for its MW-class marine fuel cell, PowerCell is reinforcing its leadership in clean maritime energy solutions. The MS-500 system not only expands the company’s product portfolio but also provides the maritime sector with a scalable, efficient, and regulation-ready pathway toward zero-emission operations.