A pioneering project in the UK aims to transform seawater into clean hydrogen fuel to power ships, ferries, and fishing boats – a development that could mark a major step toward decarbonizing the maritime industry, Fuelcellsworks reported.
Researchers at Brunel University London and start-up Genuine H2 have received £1.44 million to build the country’s first integrated hydrogen maritime demonstrator. The project, known as GH2DEM, will generate hydrogen directly from seawater, store it safely onboard at room temperature and pressure, and use it to power next-generation hydrogen combustion engines that emit only steam – with no CO₂.
The GH2DEM project will also serve as the first real-world test of Brunel’s heavy-duty hydrogen combustion engine, soon to be installed at the university’s campus. The system will run entirely on hydrogen produced by Genuine H2’s onboard electrolyser and storage unit, creating a full hydrogen chain – from seawater to storage to propulsion.
Genuine H2 says its modular units could eventually support hydrogen refuelling networks for land and marine transport, as well as provide clean energy to remote communities, hospitals, and industrial sites.
Land-based testing is already underway, with the demonstrator expected to operate through March 2026. If successful, the system could help replace diesel across coastal and offshore vessels, including fishing fleets, ferries, tugboats, and harbour service craft.
