MARITIME CLEANTECH

Their core work

Maritime CleanTech is a Norwegian industry cluster based in Stord that drives the adoption of zero-emission technologies in the maritime sector. They focus on bringing hydrogen and ammonia fuel cell systems from demonstration to commercial-scale deployment on ships. Their work spans the full chain from modular vessel design to large-scale fuel cell piloting, acting as an industry connector between technology developers, shipyards, and shipping companies along Norway's coast and beyond.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Maritime CleanTech entered H2020 in 2018 with a focus on modular vessel design and hydrogen fuel cells for smaller inshore vessels (TrAM, FLAGSHIPS). By 2020-2021, they shifted decisively toward larger-scale and more ambitious fuel types — coordinating an ammonia fuel cell pilot (ShipFC) and joining a liquid hydrogen demonstration (HyShip). The trajectory is clear: from hydrogen exploration to ammonia and liquid hydrogen at commercial scale, reflecting the broader maritime industry's push toward deep decarbonization fuels.

Moving from hydrogen pilot projects toward ammonia and liquid hydrogen at multi-MW commercial scale — positioned at the frontier of maritime decarbonization fuels.

How they like to work

Maritime CleanTech operates primarily as a participant (3 of 4 projects) but stepped into a coordinator role for ShipFC, their largest-funded project. With 51 unique partners across 13 countries from just 4 projects, they build large, diverse consortia typical of major demonstration projects. Their coordinator debut on their most ambitious project suggests growing confidence and network centrality in the maritime clean fuel space.

A well-connected cluster with 51 unique partners across 13 countries from only 4 projects, indicating participation in large-scale demonstration consortia. Their Norwegian base and maritime focus suggest strong ties to Scandinavian shipbuilding and energy sectors, with broad European reach.

What sets them apart

Maritime CleanTech occupies a rare niche: an industry cluster that bridges Norwegian maritime and clean energy ecosystems, translating shore-side hydrogen and ammonia expertise into shipboard applications. Unlike pure research institutes, they bring industry consortium coordination and real-world deployment focus. Their progression from hydrogen to ammonia fuel cells at multi-MW scale places them among the few organizations in Europe actively piloting next-generation maritime fuels beyond conventional hydrogen.

Highlights from their portfolio

• ShipFC
  Their only coordinator role and largest single funding (€776K) — a multi-MW ammonia fuel cell pilot, one of the first of its kind for maritime applications.
• HyShip
  Demonstrates liquid hydrogen for shipping, representing the next frontier in maritime fuel technology and the cluster's most recent project.
• FLAGSHIPS
  A flagship demonstration project (running to 2026) for clean waterborne transport, covering maritime fuel cells at commercial scale across Europe.