A white ship at sea, photograph taken from below.

HOPE analyzes fuel cells solutions in shipping

Transport by ship is a sector that is still dependent on fossil fuels. Can solutions with hydrogen-powered fuel cells reduce the dependence on fossil fuels in shipping within the Nordic? The research project HOPE, which is led by IVL Swedish Environmental Institute, is investigating this issue.

The project HOPE (Hydrogen fuel cells solutions in shipping in relation to other low carbon options - a Nordic perspective) analyzes how marine solutions with hydrogen-powered fuel cells can work compared to other low-carbon fuel solutions for regional shipping.

There are several fuel alternatives – such as biofuels, electricity, hydrogen, and ammonia – which have different conditions for different shipping segments and different potential depending on advances in other sectors. Today, there is no clear answer as to which fuel the shipowners should choose.

The project develops and evaluates a concept design for hydrogen-powered fuel cells for ships in Nordic waters. It examines technical aspects and costs, as well as obstacles and motivation for these ships, and how they can affect greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.

The overall purpose of the project is to find ways to make the Nordic shipping sector fossil-free.

Read a press release about the project: Nordic research analyzes fuel cells and hydrogen for shipping Opens in new window.

What is the role of hydrogen and fuel cell solutions for decarbonizing the Nordic shipping sector?

What is the role of hydrogen and fuel cell solutions for decarbonizing the Nordic shipping sector?

The overall aim is to analyse options for CO2 neutral marine fuels and propulsion technologies from a Nordic perspective and to contribute with scientifically based decision support for the choice of low and/or zero-carbon marine fuels to industry, policymakers and other actors in the Nordic region but also globally.

More specifically, the project assesses the potential role of hydrogen and fuel cell solutions for decarbonizing the Nordic shipping sector in relation to other low or zero-carbon fuel solutions. This is done by including technology evaluation and impact assessment covering potential, environmental, economic and policy aspects. The main targets are to:

  • Develop and assess a concept design of a ship using hydrogen and fuel cells for propulsion based on a specific case study and compare that with other low-carbon options,
  • Perform laboratory tests for evaluating the developed concept design,
  • Assess impact and potential uptake in a Nordic perspective including scenarios, costs and emissions, focusing on short-sea shipping between the Nordic countries,
  • Assess drivers and barriers for increasing uptake of hydrogen and fuel cells in the Nordic maritime sector and assess policy options for enabling the transition.

The need for fuel change in the shipping sector

Shipping needs to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions significantly to meet future goals. As a complement to energy efficiency improvements, a transition to alternative fuels is needed.

There are several fuel options including e.g. biofuels, electricity, hydrogen and ammonia. Today, no clear answer is given on which fuel to choose, meaning that shipowners must choose among several alternatives. The fuel options also have different prerequisites for different shipping segments and their potential depend on the development in other sectors.

The Nordic countries aim for a carbon-neutral Nordic region. Maritime transport is one of the key remaining sectors to decarbonize and is important from a Nordic perspective due to the relatively large Nordic involvement in this industry.

Interior from a lab for fuel cells. A large computer to the left, several pipes and electronic equipment.

Read more about the project

Project facts

  • HOPE (Hydrogen fuel cells solutions in shipping in relation to other low carbon options – a Nordic perspective)
  • Budget: SEK 10.2 million
  • Funders: Nordic Energy Research, Danish EUDP, Business Finland, the Swedish Transport Administration, the Norwegian Research Council, and the Icelandic Research Center, as well as in kind financing from participating companies
  • Partners: IVL Swedish Environmental Institute, Sintef, University of Iceland, Stena Rederi and Powercell Sweden
  • Period: 2021 - 2023
Last updated: 2025-02-24