Swedish hydrogen fuel cell manufacturer PowerCell has received its first commercial order for its next-generation maritime fuel cell system, securing a deal worth SEK 44 million (EUR 3.8 million) with a leading Italian original equipment manufacturer (OEM).
The order represents a milestone for PowerCell’s new MW-class hydrogen system, dubbed the MS-500, which is scheduled to enter the market in 2028 following expected type approval. The company said the system will provide up to 1 MW of net electrical output from two integrated units and is designed specifically to meet maritime classification standards.
“This agreement is about scale, precision, and continued progress,” said PowerCell CEO Richard Berkling. “This new platform complements our current product range and strengthens our ability to support customers as fuel cells become a core part of vessel architecture.”
PowerCell did not disclose the name of the OEM but described the partner as a “leading Italian OEM with deep experience in marine system integration.” The new system will be containerised for auxiliary onboard power with potential future scalability for main propulsion, the company added.
The maritime fuel cell sector is seeing growing momentum as global regulations push for lower emissions. PowerCell pointed to increasing commercial demand and international frameworks, such as the International Maritime Organization’s decarbonisation targets, as key drivers for hydrogen adoption at sea.
“The marine fuel cell market has already moved beyond technical pilots — we saw that shift begin last year with the commercial adoption of our Marine System 225,” Berkling said. “What we are seeing now is acceleration. This order confirms that leading OEMs are not only adopting zero-emission solutions, but they are also planning for the next generation with higher power, lower cost, and smaller footprint.”