- New high-power fuel cell developed jointly by ABB and HDF Energy will enable megawatt-scale installations to power large ships
- As a seagoing technology, fuel cells can deliver significant reductions in emissions – particularly where green hydrogen is the fuel source
- The unit will also increase the range and flexibility of hybrid power systems and may support peak power demands in shore connection
ABB and HDF Energy have signed a joint-development agreement (JDA) to develop a high-power fuel cell unit for marine applications. Enabling megawatt-scale hydrogen fuel cells, the project anticipates installations on board several vessel types, even large seagoing vessels such as container feeder ships and liquefied hydrogen carriers. The agreement builds on an earlier Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between ABB and HDF Energy in 2020, envisaging the collaboration1.
Foreseeing pilot installations in 2028–2029 and serial production from 2030, the agreement initiates a significant step forward for developing fuel cells as a commercially viable option to support maritime decarbonization.
The collaboration combines ABB’s system integration expertise with HDF’s unique capabilities in designing and producing large fuel cell units. France-based HDF will provide the fuel cell technology, while ABB will supply power converters, power management, and electrical and control integration, with the two parties collaborating on specifications, conceptual design, and commercial opportunities.
The high-power fuel cell unit will enable reducing maritime emissions by facilitating the construction of large hydrogen-electric vessels and allowing diesel auxiliary gensets to be replaced with hydrogen fuel cell units on board existing ships. Where the fuel cells utilize a carbon-neutral fuel such as green hydrogen, the decarbonization impact will be particularly significant.
Concept illustration of a large vessel powered by fuel cells. Image credit ABB 
Example of a power train with six large fuel cell units, four in containers and two on skids - Image credit ABB 
Concept illustration of a ferry powered by fuel cells. Image credit HDF Energy 
ABB and HDF Energy to develop high-power fuel cell unit for large ocean-going ships. From left to right: Timo Keränen, Sami Kanerva, Saara Kuusisto, Hanane El Hamraoui, Guilain Pédezert, Olivier Papineau. Image credit - ABB
ABB’s Onboard DC Grid™ power system will ensure the unit can be integrated seamlessly with other power sources and subsystems such as battery energy storage, where the fuel cells will maximize the operational range and flexibility of the hybrid power system. The unit also has the potential to accelerate marine electrification as an auxiliary power source for shore-power and -charging infrastructure in ports, supporting peak power demands when grid capacity is limited.
“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.
“ABB and HDF have been collaborating for several years, making significant progress toward a viable solution for decarbonizing larger vessels,” said Rune Braastad, President, ABB’s Marine & Ports division. “We at ABB remain fully committed to developing technologies that accelerate maritime decarbonization, and this new agreement with HDF reflects another important step forward.”
ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. At ABB, we call this ‘Engineered to Outrun’. The company has over 140 years of history and around 110,000 employees worldwide. ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB). www.abb.com
ABB’s Process Automation business automates, electrifies and digitalizes industrial operations that address a wide range of essential needs – from supplying energy, water and materials, to producing goods and transporting them to market. With its ~20,000 employees, leading technology and service expertise, ABB Process Automation helps process, hybrid and maritime industries outrun – leaner and cleaner. go.abb/processautomation
[1] ABB brings fuel cell technology a step closer to powering large ships | News center
