A company with backing from Honda has introduced a groundbreaking hydrogen fuel cell that promises to significantly impact the shipping industry by reducing the dependence on polluting fuels.

Hypermotive, a company based in the UK, has launched its XM-1 platform in collaboration with Honda. The XM-1 is a flexible and adaptable hydrogen fuel cell system, designed to accommodate a wide range of vehicles and ships.

Both Hypermotive and Honda foresee the system's application in various industries, from shipping to construction and other commercial transportation.

“Honda has been exploring hydrogen’s potential since the 1980s, and we’re thrilled to be working alongside innovative companies like Hypermotive to develop robust and efficient energy solutions for a range of power demands,” said Ingo Nyhues, Deputy General Manager of Europe Business Planning and Development at Honda Motor Europe.

Interest in hydrogen fuel cells has surged recently as companies push forward with their development for the shipping sector. A recent contract worth $2.75 million was secured for the construction of the first entirely green, compressed hydrogen-powered vessel. The Dutch H2 barge, a short-haul ship, is fully powered by hydrogen and represents a major step toward cleaner energy.

In the private yacht market, rumors suggest that Bill Gates may have acquired a cutting-edge hydrogen-powered yacht equipped with an all-electric tender. Even waste collection trucks are transitioning to hydrogen power, with the first one introduced by a U.S. company earlier this year.

Hydrogen's appeal as a fuel lies in the fact that its only emission is water. However, producing it remains energy-intensive, with current methods such as natural gas reforming and electrolysis requiring substantial power. Researchers are working to develop less energy-demanding and cleaner production methods.

Of all hydrogen types, only "green hydrogen"—produced through electrolysis powered entirely by renewable energy like solar and wind—holds promise in the fight against greenhouse gas emissions. Though fuel cell manufacturers cannot dictate how buyers source their hydrogen, Hypermotive is confident its fuel system can significantly reduce the industry's reliance on conventional fuels.

“We are acutely aware of the growing pressures our customers face, particularly in terms of emissions reduction,” said Hypermotive CEO Adam Huckstep in a statement. “Balancing these needs with cost control and ensuring safety and reliability is no easy task. By leveraging our expertise in hydrogen systems and partnering with industry leaders like Honda, we have directly tackled these challenges and unlocked new opportunities in the market.”