ABB and HDF Energy have signed a joint development agreement to create a high-power fuel cell unit for marine applications, targeting installations on large seagoing vessels, including container feeder ships and liquefied hydrogen carriers.

The agreement, announced on 15 December, formalises ongoing cooperation between the two companies that began with a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in 2020. Under the current timeline, the partners expect pilot installations to take place in 2028 and 2029, followed by serial production from 2030.

Under the arrangement, HDF Energy, based in France, will be responsible for the fuel cell technology. ABB will contribute electrical infrastructure, including power converters, power management systems, and overall electrical and control integration. Both companies stated that they will jointly define system specifications and work on conceptual design and commercial pathways.

The fuel cell units are intended to support hydrogen-electric propulsion concepts for larger vessels and to offer an alternative to diesel auxiliary gensets on ships already in operation. The companies explained that using carbon-neutral fuels, such as green hydrogen, would significantly increase the systems' potential to reduce emissions.

ABB said the units will be integrated using its Onboard DC Grid™ power system, allowing fuel cells to operate alongside other onboard energy sources, including battery energy storage. This configuration is expected to improve flexibility and extend the operating range of hybrid power systems.

Beyond onboard use, the partners said the technology could also be applied ashore, where fuel cell units may provide auxiliary power for port shore-connection and charging infrastructure, particularly in locations where grid capacity limits peak demand.

"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 decarbonising the maritime industry," said Hanane El Hamraoui, CEO of HDF Energy.

Rune Braastad, President of ABB's Marine & Ports division, noted: "ABB and HDF have been collaborating for several years, making significant progress toward a viable solution for decarbonising larger vessels. We at ABB remain fully committed to developing technologies that accelerate maritime decarbonisation, and this new agreement with HDF reflects another important step forward."

The collaboration combines ABB's system integration expertise with HDF's capabilities in the design and production of large fuel cell units. ABB is a technology company in electrification and automation, while HDF Energy specialises in hydrogen fuel cell technology.