MARINER is developing a new type of modular fuel cell system powerful enough to run large ships — completely without emissions. The goal is a 1 MW system that can be built in modules, so it fits both smaller and larger vessels. This matters because today’s ships almost all run on fossil fuels, and emissions must be drastically reduced.
The project will first build and test a 200 kW prototype, then scale up to a full 1 MW version. This system will be tested in real maritime conditions: salty air, humidity, temperature changes and heavy loads. MARINER is also developing digital twins and smart control systems that help the fuel cell last longer and be maintained before problems occur.
In short: MARINER is turning hydrogen technology into something robust, practical and ready for real ships — a key step toward zero‑emission shipping.
Why the MARINER project matters
Global shipping carries around 90% of world trade and produces roughly 3% of global emissions, with more than 99% of vessels running on fossil fuels. Without intervention, maritime CO₂ emissions could increase by 50–250% by 2050. This makes shipping one of the hardest sectors to decarbonize.
The EU has responded with strong regulatory pressure:
- EU ETS Maritime (from 2024) puts a real price on CO₂
- FuelEU Maritime imposes tightening GHG‑intensity limits, effectively banning fossil‑only propulsion by 2050
At the same time, Mission Innovation and the Clean Hydrogen Joint Undertaking aim to make clean hydrogen available at ≤ 2 USD/kg by 2030 and deploy 100 Hydrogen Valleys.
MARINER is essential because it delivers what the maritime sector currently lacks: a reliable, efficient, scalable and cost‑competitive 1 MW PEM fuel cell system ready for real ships.
What will we do?
The project will:
- design a modular multi‑stack PEM system meeting EU cost and efficiency KPIs
- build and validate a 200 kW prototype and scale it to a 1 MW demonstrator
- develop digital twins, diagnostics and health‑aware control to extend lifetime
- assess total cost of ownership, lifecycle impacts and safety
- work with shipyards, operators, regulators and classification societies to ensure real‑world adoption
In short: MARINER turns fuel‑cell breakthroughs into deployable maritime powertrains, accelerating the moment when zero‑emission shipping becomes the rational business choice.
