ABB and HDF Energy are working on a megawatt scale fuel cell unit designed for large seagoing vessels. For shipowners and managers facing tightening emissions rules, the project signals a possible route to cut auxiliary engine use while keeping operational flexibility.
New high-power fuel cell developed jointly by ABB and HDF Energy
Shipowners and ship managers weighing long term decarbonisation options are watching fuel cells move closer to practical application on large vessels. ABB and France based HDF Energy have signed a joint development agreement to design a high power hydrogen fuel cell unit intended for ships such as container feeder vessels and liquefied hydrogen carriers.
The partners say the technology is aimed at megawatt scale installations, a threshold often cited by operators as essential if fuel cells are to play a meaningful role beyond pilot projects. The agreement builds on a memorandum of understanding signed in 2020 and sets out a pathway towards pilot installations in 2028 and 2029, with serial production planned from 2030.
For ship managers, the appeal lies in flexibility. The fuel cell unit is designed to integrate with ABB’s Onboard DC Grid power system, allowing it to work alongside batteries and other power sources. In practice, this could allow diesel auxiliary generators to be replaced or supplemented, reducing emissions and noise during port stays and at sea. Where green hydrogen is used, the emissions reduction would be substantial.
The system may also find a role ashore. ABB and HDF say the unit could support shore power connections and charging infrastructure in ports, particularly where grid capacity is constrained and peak demand is an issue.
“We at HDF are very excited to combine our fuel cell knowledge with ABB’s marine systems integration expertise to provide a practical means of decarbonizing the maritime industry,” said Hanane El Hamraoui, CEO of HDF Energy.
Rune Braastad, President of ABB’s Marine and Ports division, said, “ABB and HDF have been collaborating for several years, making significant progress toward a viable solution for decarbonizing larger vessels. We at ABB remain fully committed to developing technologies that accelerate maritime decarbonization, and this new agreement with HDF reflects another important step forward.”
For owners planning fleet renewal over the next decade, the project adds another option to a growing but still uncertain alternative fuel landscape.
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Source: ABB
