Ricardo, a global strategic, environmental and engineering consulting company, is working with the sustainable HYdrogen powered Shipping consortium (sHYpS) to design and develop H₂ fuel cell propulsion technologies to power the next generation of zero emissions passenger ships.

The project involving 13 partners in six European countries will accelerate the adoption of H₂ as a renewable fuel in the maritime industry. The work has been funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) under the UK Government’s Horizon Europe funding guarantee. 

Experts in H₂ technology and integration, Ricardo is leading the specification, design, build and test of a 375-kW fuel cell module and the design of a 40-foot containerized multi-MW power plant that combines the outputs of several fuel cell modules. The containerized solution is intended to be installed on board passenger ships.

Adrian Schaffer, President of Emerging Mobility at Ricardo, said, “The shipping industry is facing considerable challenges to find a solution to achieve zero-emissions navigation in line with future global regulatory targets. This project is at the forefront of innovation, with the prospect of using H₂ fuel cell technology to support the industry meeting its sustainability objectives. We’re delighted to be part of the consortium creating and delivering innovation in this sector. Our involvement recognizes our growing expertise and experience in H₂ and fuel cell technology, where we are working with a range of customers to provide clean, efficient solutions, which reduce carbon and emissions across several sectors, including automotive and aerospace.”