Find your nearest distributor
Hydrogen at sea: our R&D project is taking shape
We’ve been steering towards technologies that cut emissions and improve onboard efficiency for some time.
Today, we’re excited to share a meaningful step forward: the development of a hydrogen (PEM) fuel cell for marine applications, conceived for electric/hybrid propulsion and onboard power generation. The project is currently in the development and validation phase within our R&D programme, with a view to future production.
On the left, Attila Husar, Director of the H2 UPC Lab, together with Solé Advance’s engineering team, led by Víctor Miravet.
Why hydrogen now
Following progress on HVO compatibility and the launch of new efficiency-focused ranges, hydrogen is the natural next step in our roadmap. Its mass energy density and its fit within electric and hybrid architectures make it a strong candidate for specific missions at sea.
What we’re developing
We’re working on a hydrogen (PEM) fuel cell with a target output of 76 kW, aimed at electric/hybrid propulsion and auxiliary services onboard.
Our focus is performance in real marine conditions: frequent starts, partial-load operation, vibration, saline environment, and maintenance that makes sense in an engine room.
“This programme is a natural step in our evolution towards next-generation onboard power systems: integrating a hydrogen fuel cell rated at 76 kW with safety, efficiency and maintenance criteria tailored to both leisure and workboats. We are a company with strong engineering, design and innovation capability, and this project proves it.”
— Marieli Solé, CEO of Solé
Technology collaboration: Applus+ IDIADA, UPC (H2Lab) and EKPO
To move forward rigorously, we’re running the programme at Solé with technical collaboration from Applus+ IDIADA and the H2Lab at Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya · BarcelonaTech (UPC), bringing together applied engineering, test benches and the academic environment.
The stack comes from EKPO, an international hydrogen technology reference.
This allows us to focus on marine integration: control, cooling, safety and durability in a saline environment.
Balance of Plant (BoP) and first prototype: compactness that counts
With that support, we’ve designed the Balance of Plant (BoP) — thermal and air management, humidification and purging, power supply, instrumentation and protections — and built a first integrated prototype. This stack + BoP assembly has already been validated in UPC’s laboratory in its initial test campaign.
One standout feature is its compactness: an optimised footprint that eases installation in engine rooms and existing hulls without compromising service access.
“The first tests carried out at UPC’s laboratory (H2Lab) have been encouraging. Our next step is to take those results into a real vessel: fine-tune thermal management, consolidate power-control strategies within an interconnected onboard energy ecosystem, and reinforce corrosion protection.”
— Víctor Miravet, Director of Engineering & Manufacturing at Solé
Project status: R&D with a forward view
This development is part of our R&D programme, in the development and validation phase with a view to future production. The natural next step is transferring lab results to real operating conditions on board, optimising thermal management, power-control strategies and corrosion protection.
Our primary focus is marine; nevertheless, the work also opens the door to potential applications in industrial environments later on.
METSTRADE: let’s continue the conversation in Amsterdam
You’ll find us at METSTRADE (RAI Amsterdam, 18–20 November 2025) with our regular solutions for leisure and professional boating. If you’d like to learn more about the hydrogen programme, we’ll be happy to answer questions at stand 02.505.
