Proteus Energy, headquartered in Singapore, has developed the Proteus Maritime Fuel Cell Solution, a modular hydrogen fuel-based system for ports and vessels.
The first offering is the Proteus75. Each fuel cell stack is 75 kW output, and these can be combined for larger power requirements. The initial vessel types being targeted are harbour craft, and vessels in the coastal, offshore support, and in-land waterway segments. The technology has been developed in partnership with Symbio France, a hydrogen fuel cell company with over 30 years track record. Symbio is jointly owned by global industrial groups Michelin, Stellantis, and Forvia.
Dr Lars Gruenitz, CEO Proteus Energy, said: “The maritime industry needs viable clean energy solutions today. We are providing a high energy density solution that is compact and lightweight, which is critical for vessels where space and weight considerations are imperative. This best-in-class system is the logical and most cost-effective choice to help operators make a quantum leap in their decarbonization efforts”.
The Proteus Maritime Fuel Cell Solution can be delivered as a modular powerpack or customised and fitted into vessels.
Claimed benefits include:
- Zero exhaust emissions
- Negligible noise or vibration
- Low maintenance cost due to few moving parts and no lubrication oil consumption
- Fast refuelling time compared to battery charging time
- Hydrogen fuel can be stored for long time periods without any loss versus batteries which lose energy (even if not in use) and need to be regularly recharged
Proteus’ fuel cell technology complements electric propulsion and is intended to offer a solution for hybrid vessels by extending their range and easing the load on batteries, thus improving space efficiency and vessel performance.
The Proteus® Maritime Fuel Cell Solution will be backed by a two-year performance guarantee from Symbio France. Symbio’s systems have already logged millions of kilometres powering road vehicles in Europe. Now, the performance is being deployed at sea with added protections for marine operating conditions. The fuel cell stacks are produced at Symbio’s gigafactory in Lyon, France, using robotic assembly systems capable of producing thousands of units annually. This high-throughput capability ensures that Proteus, as an established manufacturer, can meet rising demand without sacrificing quality.
Proteus also claims an ability to bring economies of scale, continuous R&D, and tried and tested reliability into the marine environment. For example, Symbio tests over 2,000 fuel cell membranes each year – enabling faster upgrades and long-term performance enhancements – something newer players in the market are not able to do.
To provide a convenient fuel storage option, Proteus offers high-pressure hydrogen storage tanks developed with partner Forvia, a global components and technology company. The DNV type-approved tanks, which are already available for delivery, offer a safe and simple way to store hydrogen onboard vessels and will be produced on an industrial scale. In addition, Proteus works with port operators to provide them with customised refuelling solutions and infrastructure.
Gruenitz said: “As regulators push towards zero emissions, ports and vessel operators face immense pressure to act now. With our proven technology and system designed for practical integration, we can assist our customers to meet their emission targets ahead of schedule and future-proof their business.”
The Proteus Maritime Fuel Cell Solution is expected to be available for delivery beginning January 2026, with type approval from DNV anticipated before the end of 2025.
Image: Proteus 75 fuel cell module (source: Proteus Energy)
