Decarbonizing maritime transport is one of the world’s great challenges: a sector that moves more than 90% of global trade and accounts for up to 3% of CO₂ emissions. With this challenge in mind, CT continues to drive pioneering solutions that demonstrate the energy transition of the maritime sector is possible.

As part of the H2TECH4SHIP project, developed in collaboration with Astilleros de Nodosa and the University of Vigo, we have carried out the conceptual design of the first tugboat powered entirely by compressed hydrogen. This initiative is funded through the PERTE Naval program and the INNCODIS flagship project, led by Navantia, with a budget exceeding 1.3 million euros.

Unlike other hybrid solutions, H2TECH4SHIP stands out for having an energy system powered exclusively by hydrogen, with no need for fossil fuels. Its architecture is based on high-performance engine generators and batteries capable of providing the power and operability of a conventional tugboat, with one key difference: its only emissions are water vapor.

One of the main milestones achieved has been the development of an innovative modular hydrogen storage system on deck—safe, ventilated, and easily replaceable—which simplifies maintenance and refueling operations. This advancement addresses one of the greatest technological challenges of using hydrogen in the naval sector: onboard storage under safe conditions.

CT has played an essential role in the project, taking on the design and detail engineering, the integration of the fuel and propulsion system, the calculations for the ship’s digital twin, as well as the risk studies associated with the use of hydrogen.

Currently, the project is progressing toward the construction of a scaled prototype (TRL 5–6), with the aim of validating the system under real operating conditions and demonstrating that renewable hydrogen can become a viable alternative for work vessel propulsion.

With H2TECH4SHIP, CT reaffirms its commitment to positioning Spain at the forefront of clean marine technologies and leading the transformation of maritime propulsion toward a more sustainable future.