Hydrogen Fleet Statistics
Data-driven insights into the global hydrogen-powered maritime fleet. Track vessel deliveries, fuel cell capacity, and storage systems as the industry transitions to zero-emission shipping.
The HydrogenShipbuilding database tracks all hydrogen-powered vessels globally, from small coastal ferries to large ocean-going containerships. This page provides statistical insights into fleet development, technology adoption, and infrastructure growth. All data is curated from classification society records, shipyard announcements, and operator confirmations.
Current Fleet Overview: As of January 2026, the global hydrogen maritime fleet comprises 77 vessels across operational, contracted, and planned phases. The operational fleet of 19 vessels is dominated by offshore support vessels and inland barges using compressed hydrogen with combustion engines and fuel cells. This represents the pioneering phase of maritime hydrogen adoption.
Growth Trajectory: 2025 marked a pivotal year with 23 vessels entering operation, driven primarily by series production from CMB.Tech using hydrogen in combustion engines for auxiliary power. From 2026 onward, the fleet transitions to larger seagoing vessels with multi-megawatt fuel cell installations for main propulsion.
Technology Maturation: The shift from compressed hydrogen in swappable containers to liquid hydrogen (LH₂) in cryogenic tanks enables the larger vessel designs entering the fleet from 2026. This transition is essential for achieving the storage capacity required for ocean-going operations and marks a critical inflection point in maritime hydrogen viability.
Fleet Size by Vessel Type
The existing operational fleet (19 vessels) is dominated by offshore support vessels and inland barges. Both segments predominantly use compressed hydrogen stored in swappable containers with fuel cells for propulsion power.
💡 Note: Offshore vessels include crew transfer vessels (CTVs) and service operation vessels (SOVs) serving the wind energy sector. CMB.Tech vessels using hydrogen combustion engines are included in the count.
Fleet Development Over Time
Fleet growth shows exponential acceleration from 2025 onward. The 2025 influx is driven by series production from CMB.Tech using hydrogen for auxiliary power. The first large multi-megawatt fuel cell propulsion systems enter service in 2026, marking the transition to seagoing hydrogen vessels.
💡 Note: 2026 is a pivotal year with 23 vessels entering operation. Projected deliveries for 2026-2029 are based on confirmed shipyard contracts with scheduled delivery dates. Proposed vessels (post-2027) are subject to final investment decisions.
Fuel Cell Capacity Development
Total fuel cell capacity in the fleet increases dramatically from 2025 onward. PowerCell delivers the majority (30+ MW) through contracts with Thorgarten Nord and cruise vessels on order at Fincantieri. This chart excludes CMB.Tech vessels using hydrogen combustion engines rather than fuel cells.
💡 Note: Data represents installed fuel cell capacity in megawatts (MW). Excludes hydrogen combustion engines (CMB.Tech vessels). Major suppliers include PowerCell, Ballard, Plug Power, and Toyota/EODev systems.
Hydrogen Storage: Compressed vs. Liquid
The operational fleet relies predominantly on compressed hydrogen (CH₂), primarily in swappable containers or fixed tanks. This ratio shifts dramatically in vessels on order and proposed, where liquid hydrogen (LH₂) enables the storage capacity required for larger vessels. LH₂ systems begin appearing in 2026 deliveries and dominate from 2027 onward.
💡 Note: Compressed hydrogen (CH₂) stored at 350-700 bar in cylinders or Type IV tanks. Liquid hydrogen (LH₂) stored at -253°C in vacuum-insulated cryogenic tanks. LH₂ provides ~3x higher volumetric energy density, essential for seagoing vessels.
Geographic Distribution
Northern Europe dominates hydrogen maritime development, led by Norway’s pioneering regulatory framework and subsidy programs. The Netherlands and Norway together account for over 50% of current fleet activity. Asia’s presence grows significantly in the on-order category, driven by South Korean cruise ships and Chinese inland vessels.
💡 Note: Classification by flag state or principal operating region. Norway’s dominance reflects Enova funding program. Netherlands benefits from Maritime Masterplan subsidies. France includes vessels for overseas territories.
Access Full Fleet Database
The HydrogenShipbuilding database contains detailed vessel specifications, technology providers, delivery schedules, and fuel system details for all 77 hydrogen vessels tracked globally.
This resource is available to industry professionals, researchers, and organizations working on maritime hydrogen transition.
Database Includes:
- ✓ Complete vessel specifications (power, storage, dimensions)
- ✓ Fuel cell manufacturer and model details
- ✓ Hydrogen storage type (CH₂/LH₂) and capacity
- ✓ Shipyard, classification society, delivery dates
- ✓ Funding sources and subsidy programs
- ✓ Operational routes and performance data
- ✓ Technology provider partnerships
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Database access is provided to industry professionals for commercial, research, or policy purposes. Please include your organization and intended use in your request.