ABB and HDF to manufacture fuel cell system for ships

Megawatt-scale system will help marine industry to meet its carbon dioxide reduction targets

ABB and HDF to manufacture fuel cell system for ships
A concept illustration of a large vessel powered by fuel cells (Image credit: ABB)

By Rebecca Gibson |


Technology company ABB and hydrogen technologies specialist Hydrogène de France (HDF) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to jointly manufacture megawatt-scale fuel cell systems capable of powering ocean-going vessels, including passenger ships.

The new system will be based on the megawatt-scale fuel cell power plant that ABB has already developed in collaboration with Ballard Power Systems, a global provider of proton exchange membrane fuel cell solutions. It will be manufactured at HDF’s facility in Bordeaux, France.

“HDF is very excited to cooperate with ABB to assemble and produce megawatt-scale fuel cell systems for the marine market based on Ballard technology,” said Damien Havard, CEO of HDF.

Fuel cells, which use an electrochemical reaction to convert chemical energy from hydrogen into electricity, are considered as one of the most promising green fuel solutions for ships. The zero-emission technology has already been shown to be capable of powering ships sailing short distances and supporting auxiliary energy requirements of larger vessels.

“With the ever-increasing demand for solutions that enable sustainable, responsible shipping, we are confident that fuel cells will play an important role in helping the marine industry meet carbon dioxide reduction targets,” said Juha Koskela, managing director of ABB Marine & Ports. “Signing the MOU with HDF brings us a step closer to making this technology available for powering ocean-going vessels.”

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