Project Summary

This project will develop and validate a modular hydrogen fuel cell auxiliary power unit (APU) designed to decarbonise support systems onboard small-to-medium maritime vessels. By replacing conventional diesel generators used for auxiliary loads such as lighting, navigation, refrigeration and hoteling functions, the proposed hydrogen-based system aims to significantly reduce CO?, NO?, and particulate emissions in port and near-shore operations, which are key hotspots for maritime pollution. The project combines advanced system-level modelling with lab-scale validation using Coventry University’s existing fuel cell platform, enabling accurate simulation of performance, cost and emissions impact across a range of vessel types and duty profiles. Outputs will include validated models, a comparative techno-economic and environmental performance assessment against diesel and battery-based alternatives, and a scale-up roadmap for real-world adoption. The study supports TRIG’s maritime decarbonisation priority by targeting retrofit-friendly, low-emission APU technology that can deliver tangible improvements in operational sustainability, particularly in ports and emission control zones. This early-stage proof of concept will not only strengthen evidence for hydrogen fuel cell integration in marine applications, but also inform policy, regulatory and industrial stakeholders about deployment potential and infrastructure needs; positioning the UK maritime sector for clean auxiliary power transition and improved air quality outcomes.