NextChem, part of Italy’s Maire Group, has partnered with Siemens Energy to develop a modular high-temperature fuel cell system that uses methanol as a hydrogen carrier. 

The technology is designed for marine applications, where emissions from heavy fuel oil remain a major environmental challenge.

Methanol, which is liquid at ambient temperature, can be reformed into hydrogen onboard, allowing vessels to operate emission-free during both sailing and anchorage. 

This innovation addresses growing global pressure on the shipping industry to cut greenhouse gases, sulphur oxides, and nitrogen oxides under International Maritime Organization (IMO) targets.

The first commercial deployment will be in a luxury yacht, serving as a proof of concept for the premium maritime segment. 

However, the partners aim to expand adoption across cargo vessels and even land-based applications such as data centers and remote energy installations. 

NextChem will oversee engineering and production, while Siemens Energy will manage integration, including electrical and energy management systems.