HDF Energy and ABB's Marine & Ports division have signed a joint-development agreement to create a scalable, high-power hydrogen fuel cell system (1 MW+) for vessel propulsion and auxiliary power.

The partnership aims to accelerate the decarbonization of heavy maritime transport by providing a zero-emission alternative to conventional diesel power. 

Maritime transport accounts for roughly 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Supporting the International Maritime Organisation’s push to slash the sector’s environmental footprint, HDF Energy and ABB aim to deliver clean propulsion and auxiliary technologies capable of enabling zero-emission operations — helping ship operators meet tighter regulations, reduce port-side emissions, and protect coastal waters.

 

The partnership leverages each company’s strengths: HDF Energy will lead design, certification, mechanical integration, manufacturing, testing, and commercialisation of the high-power fuel cell, while ABB will manage system integration, ensuring compatibility with ship power systems and using its global sales network to promote the solution.

 

The fuel cell system is designed to serve a wide range of vessels, from passenger ferries and cruise ships to container ships, offshore service vessels, and coast guard fleets, powering both propulsion and onboard auxiliary systems like electricity and air-conditioning.

 

Hanane El Hamraoui, CEO of HDF Energy, said: "Collaborating with ABB brings together two leaders with complementary expertise. By combining ABB's world class marine systems capabilities with HDF's leadership in hydrogen-powered solutions, we will be delivering a system capable of powering the next generation of zero-emission vessels. This is more than technological development — it's about enabling a systemic transformation in how maritime transport is powered."

 

Rune Braastad, Division President of ABB’s Marine & Ports division, added: “We are looking forward to this collaboration and are impressed about the unique capabilities of HDF Energy to design and produce a megawatt-scale fuel cell unit at their Blanquefort facilities. The scale of their factory and test field enables them to run load tests to the produced units using self-produced green hydrogen, which is extraordinary in the industry.”