Op-Ed: Fuel cells to deliver fossil-free power

Stig Kallestad , business manager marine, Power Cell

As the maritime industry transitions away from fossil fuels, fuel cells are increasingly being viewed not as a single solution, but as a flexible electrification platform capable of supporting multiple decarbonization pathways. Whether deployed to replace auxiliary engines, support primary and secondary propulsion, or provide shore-side power, fuel cells can offer shipowners and port operators a growing range of options.

Multiple roles across vessel types and ports—the benefits of fuel cells

Fuel cells can be applied in several ways across the maritime value chain. On larger vessels such as cruise ships and container ships, they can replace or supplement diesel generator sets used for hotel loads, crew accommodation, and port maneuvering.

The local air quality benefits are immediate. Fuel cells produce zero emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter (PM) at the point of use. These pollutants remain a persistent challenge for the marine industry, particularly in port environments. According to the World Health Organization, exposure to NOx, SOx and PM can exacerbate conditions such as asthma, contribute to respiratory and cardiovascular disease, and increase long-term health risks in densely populated port areas.

From a regulatory perspective, fuel cells can also support compliance with FuelEU Maritime. From 2030, passenger and container ships above 5,000 gross tonnes calling at major EU ports must meet strict emissions requirements while at berth, either by connecting to shore power or by using alternative zero- or low-emission energy sources. Hydrogen and methanol fuel cells, as well as certain biofuels and e-fuels depending on their well-to-wake performance, are among the recognized compliance options.

Fuel cell applications are not limited to ships. Ports themselves are beginning to deploy containerized fuel cell systems as alternatives to diesel generators for onshore power supply (OPS). Ports are starting to explore containerized fuel cell systems as alternatives to diesel generators for onshore power supply (OPS), enabling shore power without relying on the local grid.

A recent trial in Gothenburg demonstrated how land-based fuel cells can deliver shore power directly to vessels, reducing emissions both from ships and from conventional grid electricity generation. For ports, this opens the possibility of commercializing low-emission OPS while improving resilience and energy independence.

Fuel flexibility and efficiency

On smaller vessels, including ferries and river barges, fuel cell technology has now matured to the point where it can support primary propulsion. Hydrogen fuel cell systems are being installed on RoPax ferries operating on demanding routes in Norway, including on two vessels operated by Torghatten Nord on the country’s longest and most challenging ferry crossing.

In parallel, projects are underway to deploy fuel cells on bulk carriers, a segment traditionally seen as difficult to decarbonize, with early initiatives pointing to the potential for hydrogen propulsion to extend beyond short-sea and passenger trades. PowerCell has also recently announced it will equip the world’s first hydrogen-powered bulk carriers.

One of the most important characteristics of modern fuel cells is their fuel flexibility. Proton-exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, in particular, offer high power density and efficiency in a relatively compact footprint. While they can operate directly on hydrogen, they can also be combined with reformer technologies to use fuels such as methanol or even ammonia.

Methanol reforming is already a commercial reality. By using methanol as a hydrogen carrier, operators can integrate fuel cell systems without relying on dedicated hydrogen infrastructure. Methanol is also around 30% more efficient when used in fuel cells compared with internal combustion engines, creating a meaningful operational efficiency advantage, particularly important given the higher cost and lower energy density of green fuels.

As hydrogen infrastructure expands and ammonia reforming technologies mature, fuel cells offer a platform that can evolve alongside fuel availability rather than locking operators into a single pathway.

Cost, safety and operational considerations

Historically, capital cost and safety perceptions have been the main barriers to wider fuel cell adoption. Firstly, tightening regulations, carbon pricing mechanisms, and emissions levies are steadily strengthening the business case for zero-emission technologies. Secondly, although fuel-cell systems generally have higher upfront costs than conventional engines, they can offer lower operating costs over time thanks to higher efficiency, fewer moving parts, and reduced maintenance, helping to offset some of the initial investment.

From a safety perspective, fuel cells now have a substantial operational track record across multiple industries, including transport, construction, mining and large public events. In maritime applications, safety requirements for gas handling, ventilation, leak detection and fire protection are well understood and align closely with existing standards for gas-fueled engines.

Fuel cells also bring operational benefits. Their ability to support load smoothing and peak shaving within ports can improve overall energy efficiency on board ships. Quiet operation and minimal vibration make them particularly attractive for passenger vessels and urban port environments.

Looking ahead

Rather than locking the industry into a single fuel pathway or configuration, fuel cells give shipowners and port operators flexibility, around where systems are installed, what loads they serve, and which fuels they consume. As shore power requirements expand, alternative fuels diversify, and emissions regulations tighten, this adaptability is becoming increasingly valuable and it’s important for the industry to remain agile.

With technology moving rapidly from demonstration projects to commercial deployment, fuel cells are emerging as a practical tool for the electrification and decarbonization of maritime operations, both at sea and onshore.

Stig Kallestad is the business manager marine at PowerCell.