Image for representation purposes only For years, fuel cells have been discussed as a promising technology for maritime decarbonisation. Today, the conversation is evolving; the focus is no longer on whether fuel cells can work, but on where they can deliver the greatest value across maritime operations. As regulations tighten, carbon costs rise, and shipowners seek practical pathways to reduce emissions, fuel cells are increasingly moving from demonstration projects into commercial deployment. Regulations such as FuelEU Maritime and the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) are fundamentally reshaping the economics of shipping. They are emerging as some of the industry’s most powerful decarbonisation drivers. Every tonne of greenhouse gas emissions now carries a growing financial consequence, while technologies capable of eliminating those emissions are beginning to create tangible commercial advantages. In this context, fuel cells are emerging as one of the most future-proof energy technologies available to shipowners and port operators. While hydrogen availability and infrastructure remain in development, fuel cells offer a strong pathway to emissions reduction and long-term resilience, particularly as hydrogen can be produced locally using renewable energy sources. This direction of travel is also being reinforced at the industry level, with initiatives such as the Exponential Roadmap Initiative recognising companies like PowerCell for their role in advancing scalable climate solutions for maritime decarbonisation. Whether deployed for primary propulsion, auxiliary power generation, or shore-side energy supply, fuel cells offer a pathway to fossil-free operations while delivering flexibility in fuels, vessel types , and operational profiles as energy systems mature. The regulatory landscape is changing fast: the impact of FuelEU Maritime and the EU ETS The maritime industry is entering a new phase of decarbonisation where compliance is no longer a future ch