HDF Energy and ABB collaborate to develop maritime fuel cell system
By Global Infrastructure Sherpa · Dec 15, 2025
HDF Energy and ABB Marine & Ports have signed a joint-development agreement to develop a scalable high-power maritime fuel cell system for propulsion and auxiliary power of vessels. HDF Energy will lead overall design, certification, mechanical integration, manufacturing, testing and commercialisation of the high-power fuel cell, while ABB will lead the system integration.
Deal Analysis
HDF Energy and ABB Marine & Ports have entered into a joint-development agreement to create a 1 MW maritime fuel cell system for vessel propulsion and auxiliary power. HDF Energy will spearhead the design, certification, manufacturing, and commercialization, while ABB will manage system integration. This collaboration leverages HDF Energy's expertise in hydrogen power and ABB's leadership in electrification and automation to develop a scalable solution for the maritime sector. The project aims to provide a non-intermittent renewable energy source for vessels, contributing to decarbonization efforts within the industry.
This deal is notable due to the involvement of two established players in the energy and technology sectors. The development of a 1 MW fuel cell system signals a significant step towards larger-scale hydrogen applications in maritime transport. While the financial details remain undisclosed, the collaboration between HDF Energy and ABB suggests a substantial investment in research and development. The project's location in France further highlights Europe's commitment to advancing hydrogen technologies and sustainable shipping practices.
- Collaboration between HDF Energy, a hydrogen power pioneer, and ABB, a leader in electrification and automation.
- Development of a 1 MW maritime fuel cell system, indicating a move towards larger-scale hydrogen applications.
- Focus on scalability, suggesting potential for wider adoption across various vessel types.
- Project located in France, aligning with Europe's focus on hydrogen technology and sustainable shipping.
Market Context: The maritime sector is under increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint. Hydrogen fuel cells offer a promising alternative to traditional fossil fuels, providing a cleaner energy source for propulsion and auxiliary power. This deal reflects the growing interest and investment in hydrogen technologies within the maritime industry, driven by environmental regulations and the need for sustainable solutions.
Source Intelligence
KEY DETAILS
The project is part of the ‘Hy2Move' wave of the Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI) Hydrogen program, and benefits from French State aid under the France 2030 plan. "This collaborative project is part of HDF Energy's broader industrial plan to develop and industrialise multi-megawatt fuel cells for heavy maritime and rail mobility, as well as public grid electricity generation."
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Deal Size
Following the official signing of its IPCEI contract with the French State for a maximum amount of up to €168.8 million, HDF Energy is accelerating—through this partnership with ABB—its industrial program dedicated to the design and industrialisation of high-power fuel cells for maritime, rail, and power grid applications.
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Capacity
HDF Energy and ABB Marine & Ports enter a partnership to design, certify, manufacture and commercialise a scalable 1 MW+ maritime fuel cell system for vessel propulsion and auxiliary power.
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Location
Bordeaux, December 15, 2025
PARTIES MENTIONED IN SOURCE
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HDF Energy
developer
"HDF Energy and ABB's Marine & Ports division have signed a joint-development agreement to develop a scalable high-power maritime fuel cell system for propulsion and auxiliary power of vessels."
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ABB Marine & Ports
developer
"HDF Energy and ABB's Marine & Ports division have signed a joint-development agreement to develop a scalable high-power maritime fuel cell system for propulsion and auxiliary power of vessels."
high quality
Enriched Feb 19, 2026
Market Context
This deal is part of the Hydrogen sector in France.
1 of 110 Hydrogen deals tracked this month · Updated daily
Global Infrastructure Sherpa