Zero Emission Industries (ZEI) was awarded a $2 MM grant by the California Energy Commission (CEC) to design, build and test a first-of-its-kind hydrogen fuel cell powered small-fast harbor craft.

The project includes the development and integration of the most powerful operationally diverse zero emission powertrain in maritime history. The powertrain will consist of a state-of-the-art hydrogen storage system, fuel cell package, power system, safety system, control and automation system allowing for a powertrain with increased range, simple maintenance, and no emissions.

The CEC grant will fund the deployment of ZEI's portable refueling infrastructure, a technological breakthrough which will solve the fundamental challenge of refueling small boats safely and economically, a barrier that has hindered greater potential sales of hydrogen fuel cell vessels.

ZEI is partnering with Watershed Innovation, a division of Correct Craft, to provide the boat hull set to be repowered with hydrogen. In addition,  Ocean5 Naval Architects will utilize vessel design, surfacing, hydrostatic analysis, and 3D modeling tools to enable optimum design for everything from the vessel hull to the onboard structures. Ocean5 will also ensure the collaboration of the hydrogen system's operational profile with the structural design of the small fast boat.