Building the Hydrogen Highway: Lessons for Marine Refueling Networks

Hydrogen adoption in transportation faces a significant hurdle: infrastructure. The failure of hydrogen fueling stations for cars offers valuable lessons for the maritime industry, which has the opportunity to chart a different, more sustainable course.

Unlike cars, ships operate on predictable routes, often traveling between well-defined ports. This makes centralized hydrogen fueling hubs both practical and efficient. Ports can serve as hydrogen production and distribution centers, overcoming the logistical challenges that hindered consumer hydrogen networks. Maritime hydrogen infrastructure can focus on scaling up production and ensuring access to green hydrogen without the extensive distribution networks needed for vehicles on land.

Lessons from California’s Hydrogen Network

California has long been a leader in hydrogen innovation, yet its network for hydrogen fueling stations reveals the challenges of scaling this technology. In the early 2000s, the state embraced hydrogen as a clean fuel alternative, initiating the California Hydrogen Highway Network (CHHN). This ambitious project aimed to build 100 hydrogen fueling stations to support the adoption of hydrogen-powered vehicles.

However, despite significant investment, the network fell short of expectations. By 2024, fewer than 50 operational hydrogen fueling stations exist in the state, and many experience frequent downtime due to technical issues, maintenance, and hydrogen shortages. High costs and limited hydrogen production remain persistent barriers.

The fragmented nature of vehicle travel further complicates the problem. Unlike shipping vessels that follow fixed routes, cars require a widespread network of stations to alleviate range anxiety. This complexity has slowed adoption, with hydrogen vehicle sales dropping by over 80% in 2024 compared to the previous year.

Still, California’s efforts have not been in vain. The CHHN has provided a valuable testing ground for hydrogen technologies, spurring advancements in fuel cell efficiency and renewable hydrogen production. Lessons from its missteps can inform the design of hydrogen networks in more controlled environments, such as ports.

Port Electrification Initiatives: A Vision for Green Hubs

Ports are natural candidates for hydrogen infrastructure, given their role as logistical hubs and high-emission zones. Port electrification initiatives—efforts to transition ports from diesel and other fossil fuels to clean energy—offer a glimpse of what a hydrogen-enabled future could look like.

How It Was Conceived

Port electrification initiatives emerged in response to growing awareness of air pollution caused by shipping and port operations. Major ports, such as those in Los Angeles and Long Beach, saw significant pressure from environmental advocates and regulatory bodies to reduce their carbon footprints. With shipping accounting for roughly 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, port decarbonization became a priority in combating climate change.

In the mid-2010s, California spearheaded port electrification efforts by mandating the use of shore power—electrical power supplied from the dock—for ships at berth, reducing the need for onboard diesel generators. Initial investments also supported the installation of electric cranes and other port equipment. These efforts highlighted the feasibility of integrating renewable energy into port operations.

How It Evolved

Over time, port electrification initiatives expanded to include pilot projects for alternative fuels like hydrogen. For instance, the Port of Los Angeles launched a project to use hydrogen fuel cells for yard equipment and drayage trucks, which transport cargo within port areas. Collaborative efforts between public agencies and private companies accelerated the development of hydrogen infrastructure.

These initiatives evolved to address both air quality and carbon reduction goals.

As hydrogen production became greener—thanks to advancements in electrolysis powered by renewable energy—ports began considering hydrogen as a long-term solution for fueling ships and heavy equipment.

Status Today

Today, port electrification initiatives are at a critical juncture. While electric technologies have gained traction for smaller equipment, hydrogen is emerging as a frontrunner for larger, energy-intensive applications. The Port of Los Angeles continues to lead the way with the Zero Emission Hydrogen-Fuel Cell Electric Drayage Truck Project, which aims to replace diesel trucks with hydrogen-powered alternatives.

The global push for green hydrogen has also spurred international interest in hydrogen-enabled ports. In Europe, projects like the Rotterdam Hydrogen Hub aim to integrate large-scale hydrogen production and distribution at major ports. These initiatives not only decarbonize port operations but also position ports as central nodes in a global hydrogen economy.

The Path Forward for Maritime Hydrogen Networks

Innovative projects like the Energy Observer and Drift Energy’s hydrogen-producing sailboats demonstrate how maritime hydrogen systems can operate independently of complex onshore networks. By producing hydrogen at sea or integrating it into port infrastructure, the shipping industry can reduce its reliance on fossil fuels while ensuring energy security.

For ports, hydrogen offers dual benefits: powering ships and decarbonizing port equipment. As more ports adopt green technologies, they could collectively form a global network of hydrogen-enabled hubs, facilitating the transition to sustainable maritime transport.

Learning from the successes and challenges of California’s hydrogen network and port electrification initiatives, the maritime industry has a chance to lead the charge in building resilient, scalable, and sustainable hydrogen networks. By focusing on centralized production and distribution, ports can play a pivotal role in realizing the full potential of hydrogen as a clean fuel for the future.

Additional resources: https://www.theverge.com/c/2024/8/20/24195787/lost-highway