Joint Statement

Access to alternative maritime fuels is a key priority for the decarbonisation of the UK shipping sector. Current production capacity and future maritime supply remain in development, making closer coordination between shipping, fuel producers, technology providers and government essential.

The UK Government’s Maritime Decarbonisation Strategy demonstrates the ambition to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from domestic maritime by 2050 and emphasises the role of clean fuels and innovative technologies in achieving this transition.

Developing reliable production, certification and supply infrastructure pathways, as well as innovative maritime technologies to enable vessels to transition to alternative maritime fuels and solutions like onboard carbon capture, will be essential to supporting the UK’s maritime decarbonisation pathway.

The UK Alternative Maritime Fuels Coalition will strengthen collaboration between the maritime, fuel and technology sectors; identify shared barriers; and develop practical policy recommendations to support investment, production and deployment. The Coalition will support a technology- and fuel-neutral policy approach based on robust lifecycle emissions assessment and verifiable performance.

The undersigned representatives of the Anaerobic Digestion & Bioresources Association, Carbon Capture and Storage Association (CCSA), Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), eFuel Alliance, Hydrogen UK, IBIA – The International Bunker Industry Association, Methanol Institute, Renewable Transport Fuel Association, SEA-LNG, the UK Ammonia Alliance and the UK Chamber of Shipping have agreed on the objectives and principles of the Coalition:

• Coordinated action to support and advocate for the shipping industry’s energy transition needs.

• Providing evidence-based input into the UK Government’s forthcoming consultation on domestic maritime fuel regulation.

• Ensuring that an appropriate share of UK ETS maritime revenues is directed towards maritime decarbonisation, including alternative fuel production, port infrastructure and deployment.

The Coalition agreed to hold regular meetings, with the UK Chamber of Shipping and CLIA as joint facilitators.

This initiative draws on a similar cross-sector platform convened by the European Community Shipowners’ Association (ECSA), in which several Coalition participants are also engaged.

Quotes from Coalition Members

“Shipping’s transition to lower-emissions fuels depends on those fuels being available at scale, in the places ships need them, supported by the necessary infrastructure and a policy framework that encourages investment and innovation. This Coalition brings the maritime, fuel and technology sectors together to help identify practical solutions and support a technology- and fuel-neutral approach based on lifecycle emissions performance.” – Andy Harmer, Executive Director, CLIA in the UK & Ireland

“Access to alternative fuels is one of the defining challenges for the future of UK shipping. This Coalition brings together the companies and organisations needed to turn ambition into delivery. If the UK wants to lead on maritime decarbonisation, industry and government must work together to create the right conditions for investment in fuels, infrastructure and new technologies.” – Rhett Hatcher, Chief Executive, UK Chamber of Shipping

“Policy to drive the development by the UK of alternative marine fuel supplies is likely to be distinct from UK policy to stimulate demand for those alternative fuels by shipping. The UK Alternative Maritime Fuels Coalition provides an excellent opportunity for IBIA to provide input to that important consideration.” – Dr Edmund Hughes, IBIA Representative to the IMO

“Shipping is an international industry, and the UK has a key role to play in developing fungible, global markets in alternative marine fuels. SEA-LNG welcomes the opportunity to work with other industry associations on this important initiative.” – Steve Esau, COO, SEA-LNG

“The UK Government regularly states that low-carbon ammonia is one of the most promising clean maritime fuels of the future. As the new Prime Minister looks to increase energy sovereignty and reindustrialise the country, this Coalition has a vital role to play in promoting policies that ensure that maritime has access to the future fuel, infrastructure and technology it needs. The UK Ammonia Alliance looks forward to working closely with our Coalition partners to support the policy development and regulatory certainty needed to stimulate investment, support job creation and establish robust supply chains for alternative fuels.” – UK Ammonia Alliance

“Creating an environment conducive to delivering investments in renewable fuel projects is key to enabling the large-scale energy transition of UK shipping. eFuels will play a prominent role in achieving net-zero targets, but unlocking their full potential requires clear investment signals. The eFuel Alliance is proud to join this Coalition to help build the regulatory framework needed to scale up alternative marine fuels.” – eFuel Alliance

“The decarbonisation of UK maritime will require a technology-neutral approach that supports every credible pathway to net zero. Carbon capture and storage can play an important role in reducing emissions from hard-to-abate sectors, including through the production of alternative maritime fuels and onboard carbon capture. This Coalition provides a valuable forum for industry to work together on the practical infrastructure, policy and investment conditions needed to make low-carbon maritime solutions a reality.” – Mark Sommerfeld, UK Director, Carbon Capture and Storage Association (CCSA)

“The transition to lower-carbon shipping will require strong collaboration across the maritime and energy sectors. Hydrogen UK is pleased to be part of the UK Alternative Maritime Fuels Coalition, bringing together fuel producers and the shipping industry to help address our shared challenges, support the development of reliable fuel supply and infrastructure, and inform policies that will strengthen the UK’s energy security.” – Clare Jackson, CEO, Hydrogen UK

“The debate is no longer whether the solutions exist, but how quickly we can scale them. That requires regulatory ambition, a technology-neutral approach that supports all practical, proven solutions like methanol, and collaboration across the maritime value chain. We are delighted to join the UK Alternative Maritime Fuels Coalition and look forward to working with our partners to help accelerate the transition to clean shipping.” – Felicia Mester, Managing Director for Europe and IMO, MI – The Global Methanol Alliance

“RTFA and its members stand ready to help drive the decarbonisation of the UK’s maritime sector, where rapid, large-scale uptake of alternative fuels is needed as a matter of urgency. The Coalition will help underpin the close collaboration necessary between fuel producers, fuel suppliers and the shipping industry in achieving that goal.” – Jon Hood, Policy Manager, Renewable Transport Fuel Association

“Shipping is a complex international business, and reducing its carbon footprint needs every tool available. ADBA is pleased to be part of the UK Alternative Maritime Fuels Coalition, as biomethane works now as either a component in a blend or a substitute fuel. Biomethane will help cut the emissions of UK shipping in the short and medium term, in transition and in some niches in the longer term. We look forward to working with industry partners and government to ensure a practical and sustainable future for UK shipping.” – Chris Huhne, Chair, Anaerobic Digestion & Bioresources Association

H-Power plc (AIM: HPOW), a leading provider of ammonia-based low carbon hydrogen production and hydrogen-to-power solutions at a commercially viable price point, is pleased to announce the successful completion of the first phase of its Komatsu Joint Development Agreement (“JDA”) programme. Under the JDA, announced on 10 February 2026, we are working together to design and integrate H-Power’s proprietary ammonia cracking technology with a Komatsu industrial internal combustion diesel engine to assess the feasibility of a new ammonia fuelled engine platform capable of scaled production.

The second, and final, phase is to deliver the build out and demonstration of H-Power’s ammonia cracker integrated with Komatsu’s engine and is scheduled to take place from September 2026 through to December 2027. Successful operational delivery under the JDA would potentially provide Komatsu customers with an alternative, sustainable solution for their fleets of construction and mining plant equipment, thereby introducing H-Power’s technology into a further business vertical with a significant addressable market.

As previously announced, the contract value for this project is cUS$2 million.

Komatsu is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of construction, mining, forestry, and industrial heavy equipment and is listed in Tokyo and Osaka, Japan, with a market capitalisation of approximately US$ 40 billion.

John Wilson, CEO of H-Power, commented:

“We are delighted to enter into the final phase of this agreement with Komatsu, which further strengthens our partnership and validates the inherent value of our proprietary ammonia cracking technology to global players through helping heavy industry to decarbonise its operations and fleets of equipment.”

Martin Vickers, Member of Parliament for Brigg and Immingham, has visited Blended Products to learn more about the business’s contribution to the local economy and its work to develop innovative low-carbon solutions.

During a tour of the business’ Brigg facilities, Mr Vickers met employees and saw how Blended Products develops and mixes bespoke gas and chemical solutions for customers across essential sectors, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals and manufacturing.

The independent business has operated in the area for more than 20 years and currently supports 35 local jobs.

Mr Vickers and the Blended Products team also discussed the business’s work to support the transition to clean energy.

This includes a partnership with the University of Nottingham to develop aqua-ammonia as a practical, low-carbon alternative to natural gas. Blended Products is contributing its supply chain and technical expertise to support the application of this technology to steam generation, marine systems and bunkering infrastructure. The project has the potential to support maritime decarbonisation and the UK Government’s goal for domestic maritime fuel-lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions to reach zero by 2050. 

Developing and scaling solutions of this kind will support Blended Products’ growth, create further job opportunities in the local area, as well as contribute to the UK’s wider energy transition.

Following his visit, Martin Vickers, Member of Parliament for Brigg and Immingham, said:

“Businesses such as Blended Products play an important role in sustaining and growing the Brigg economy by providing good local jobs and supporting key UK industries.

“After seeing the company’s operations first-hand and learning more about its innovative work, I am proud to support Blended Products as the business continues to strengthen UK manufacturing, supply-chain resilience and its contribution to the local area.”

Alex Robinson, Founder and Managing Director of Blended Products, said:

“It was great to welcome Martin to our Brigg site and show him the expertise and commitment of our team.

“As an independent business that has been serving the area for over 20 years, we are proud of the role we play in the local economy. I am really pleased to have Martin’s support, as our local MP, as we enter the next phase of our growth and continue developing solutions that will contribute to the UK’s wider energy transition while simultaneously creating further local employment opportunities.”

H-POWER PLC SIGNS SUPPLY AGREEMENT WITH PROTIUM FOR 5,000 KG OF GREEN HYDROGEN FROM CRACKED AMMONIA

H-Power delivers the UK’s first commercial sale to a third-party of bulk hydrogen produced from cracked ammonia

Together they are delivering reliable hydrogen production, supply, storage and distribution at commercially viable prices

• New contract signed for the sale of 5,000 kilograms of fuel cell grade green hydrogen produced by H-Power’s pilot ammonia cracker plant to Protium.
• This is the first commercial sale of bulk hydrogen to a third-party customer from cracked ammonia in the UK.
•  The first-of-a-kind sale has been made possible with support from UK Government agencies, who recently granted a revision to H-Power’s facility permit.
• With this sale, H-Power and Protium are demonstrating the growing demand for low-carbon hydrogen in the UK.

H-Power plc (AIM: HPOW), a leading provider of ammonia-based low carbon hydrogen production and hydrogen-to-power solutions at a commercially viable price point, announces that it has contracted to sell 5,000 kilograms of fuel cell grade green hydrogen to Protium, one of the UK’s leading green hydrogen energy companies.

H-Power’s pilot ammonia cracker plant will produce the hydrogen for sale to Protium. This represents the first commercial sale of bulk hydrogen to a third-party customer from cracked ammonia in the UK, and further growth of the UK hydrogen economy. This clearly demonstrates that H-Power is enabling the production of scaled volumes of low carbon hydrogen from its ammonia cracker at a commercially viable price, without reliance on government subsidies or incentives. The agreement between H‑Power and Protium also demonstrates practical results of the Government’s Clean Power mission, by creating the policy frameworks that are enabling businesses to invest in and scale pioneering clean energy projects.

This sale of hydrogen from H-Power’s ammonia cracker follows an amendment to H-Power’s Dunsfold facility permit by the Environment Agency, as previously announced by H-Power on 18 February 2026, allowing the sale of hydrogen produced from the ammonia cracker to third party customers for a period until 31 August 2026. This evidences how DEFRA and the Environment Agency’s approach to environmental permitting is supporting the scale up of innovative ammonia and hydrogen technologies.

The hydrogen supplied will be produced from bio-ammonia and classified as green hydrogen. The hydrogen produced by H-Power’s pilot ammonia cracker plant and sold to Protium will be at 99.97% hydrogen purity (certified ISO 14687 Grade D), PEM fuel cell grade hydrogen. 5,000 kilograms of hydrogen provides sufficient fuel to run a H-Power LC30 fuel cell generator at full rated power (30kW) continuously for more than 100 days.

H-Power and Protium have also entered into an agreement for an initial period of 12 months (extendable by mutual agreement), which will create a ‘virtual depot” for Protium at H-Power’s Dunsfold facility. A number of Protium’s hydrogen storage and logistics assets, including multiple cylinder packages (MCPs) can be stored at Dunsfold Park, filled with hydrogen produced from ammonia via H-Power’s ammonia cracker plant. Operating this facility as an additional regional distribution base significantly expands Protium’s delivery capability throughout the South East, enabling the supply of green hydrogen to customers across the UK safely, simply and reliably, supporting them through the energy transition.

The development and launch of H-Power’s HY5 decentralised portable cracker unit (capable of producing up to 500 kg of hydrogen per day) remains on track and will provide the lowest cost bulk fuel cell grade hydrogen (without the need for government subsidy) available to industrial customers, in the UK, by the end of calendar year 2026. This is continuing to lead to significant numbers of enquiries being made due to its ability to unlock the joint challenges of hydrogen logistics and hydrogen pricing.

H-Power’s HY5 ammonia cracker is based on the technology and builds on the learnings from H‑Power’s pilot plant, with a refined architecture to deliver a higher throughput of hydrogen gas, all within a smaller containerised footprint. This has been enabled by H-Power’s proprietary dual heat source ammonia cracker which also features enhanced efficiency. The HY5 is positioned as an alternative to a 1.2MW electrolyser.

John Wilson, CEO of H-Power plc, commented:

“We are delighted to have signed this agreement with Protium for H-Power to supply and sell 5,000 kilograms of fuel cell grade green hydrogen produced from H-Power’s ammonia cracker plant. This is a first in the UK, clearly demonstrating that H-Power enables the production of scaled volumes of low carbon hydrogen reliably and safely from our ammonia cracker at a commercially viable price, without reliance on government subsidies or incentives.

By partnering with Protium, together we are unlocking the joint challenges of hydrogen logistics and hydrogen pricing, delivering reliable hydrogen production, supply, storage and distribution at scale and at commercially viable prices. We are enabling customers and industries to decarbonise today, and I am pleased that the UK Government and Environment Agency support our important role.”

Christopher Jackson, CEO and Founder of Protium, said:

“This collaboration effectively showcases how innovative technology and strategic distribution can overcome traditional pricing and logistics barriers, accelerating the path to a resilient and self-sustaining green hydrogen economy. By integrating this supply into our logistics network and establishing a ‘virtual depot’ at Dunsfold, we are expanding our end-to-end capability to deliver practical, zero-emission solutions to industrial and transport sectors today. This is how we make green hydrogen simple and real for customers.”

Emma Hardy, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Water and Flooding) at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, said:

“H-Power’s UK-first sale of hydrogen from cracked ammonia demonstrates the new innovation that we need to protect our environment while also building a more resilient supply of hydrogen for the UK in the face of global shocks.

“Through our environmental permitting reforms, we are unlocking the investment in new clean energy that drives sustainable economic growth and the greater adaption of green technologies, like hydrogen from cracked ammonia.”

Dr Jo Nettleton, Chief Regulator at the Environment Agency, said:

“We are modernising our regulatory framework to unlock the clean energy solutions of the future, like those being utilised by H-Power.

“Our support for pioneering projects, like this one providing hydrogen from cracked ammonia, is helping to accelerate the nation’s path to net zero while showing how strong environmental standards and industrial innovation must go hand-in-hand.”

Blended Products is proud to announce its role as an industrial partner in a significant clean energy research programme led by the University of Nottingham, focused on the development of Aqua-Ammonia (A-A) as a practical, scalable, low-carbon alternative to natural gas.

Aqua-Ammonia — a liquid mixture of ammonia and water — offers a compelling vision for the future of energy delivery. Unlike gaseous fuels such as hydrogen, it can remain liquid at ambient conditions, reducing compression requirements and enabling transport via pump-based systems. Research at Nottingham has demonstrated that low concentrations of A-A could match the energy transport capacity of current natural gas networks, while remaining at concentrations comparable to common household cleaning products.

The University has already patented a novel ammonia separation technology at the heart of this work, and the research programme has attracted a consortium of leading industrial and institutional partners, including Northern Gas Networks, National Gas, Worcester Bosch, Vaillant Group, Nottingham City Council, Vital Energy, the Hydrogen Energy Association, and Talus Renewable.

Blended Products is contributing as a supply chain partner across two key application areas:

• Steam power generation applications
• Marine and bunkering systems

These are fields where Blended Products’ deep expertise in specialist fluid and gas handling can support the commercialisation of aqua-ammonia technology at scale.

“At Blended Products, we believe that real progress toward net zero requires industry to stand alongside academia and back the most promising science with practical support. The University of Nottingham’s Aqua-Ammonia research is exactly the kind of bold, systems-level thinking that could reshape how the UK — and the world — delivers energy. We’re honoured to be part of this consortium and look forward to helping translate this research into deployable solutions.” – Alex Robinson, Blended Products

The research roadmap sets ambitious milestones: a fully functioning Aqua-Ammonia boiler by 2030, a heat pump system by 2035, and a port-side ammonia storage and conversion demonstration by the end of 2027. Thermodynamic studies have projected thermal efficiencies as high as 97% for residential heating, alongside a significantly smaller network footprint than existing gas infrastructure.

Blended Products sees this partnership as a long-term commitment — not only to the University of Nottingham’s programme, but to the broader energy transition. As the UK’s heating and energy systems evolve, Blended Products is committed to ensuring its capabilities are deployed where they can make the greatest difference.

Under the JDA, H-Power and Komatsu will work together to design and integrate H-Power (formerly AFC Energy)’s proprietary ammonia cracking technology with a Komatsu industrial internal combustion diesel engine to assess the feasibility of a new ammonia fuelled engine platform capable of scaled production. This would potentially provide Komatsu customers with an alternative, sustainable solution for their fleets of construction and mining plant equipment.

Successful operational delivery of an operational diesel engine under the JDA will demonstrate that an internal combustion engine can be run on liquid ammonia with minimal changes necessary, thereby introducing H-Power’s technology into a further vertical with a significant addressable market.

The JDA has a contract value of c. US$ 2 million, subject to delivery of certain milestones.

The JDA further highlights H-Power’s focused strategy of delivering hydrogen-to-power solutions at a commercially viable price point and without the need for government subsidies.

John Wilson, CEO of H-Power plc (formerly AFC Energy Plc), commented:

“We are delighted to have signed this JDA with Komatsu, whose commitment to AFC Energy’s proprietary ammonia cracker technology provides further industry peer validation, as we continue to commercialise and develop AFC Energy’s offering. This JDA further underpins our strategy to deliver commercially viable hydrogen-to-power solutions without government subsidy through the introduction of our technology into an additional vertical with a significant addressable market. We look forward to developing further our commercial relationship with Komatsu and using our technology to help heavy industry to decarbonise its operations.”

Taisuke Kusaba, Chief Technology Officer of Komatsu Ltd., commented:

“We are very pleased to be working with AFC Energy and its leading ammonia cracking technology to further explore measures to decarbonise our fleets of equipment. Our goal is to achieve a sustainable society and facilitate business growth. We envisage AFC Energy’s ammonia cracking technology as potentially playing an important role in fulfilling our goal.”

・ Equipment can be remotely operated and automatically controlled, enhancing operational efficiency and safety

Tokyo, February 24, 2026 – Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, has shipped an ammonia fuel supply system (AFSS) and an ammonia gas abatement system (AGAS) for Japan Engine Corporation (J-ENG). Both systems are designed for the first ammonia-fueled marine engine model 7UEC50LSJA-HPSCR manufactured by J-ENG and represent the first units produced by Mitsubishi Shipbuilding. Commissioning work for the systems will begin in due course.

The AFSS supplies ammonia fuel to the engine in a stable and safe manner, while the AGAS safely processes surplus ammonia generated during fuel switching from ammonia to conventional fuel oil. Both systems support remote operation and automatic control through an integrated control system, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.

The early market introduction of these systems will enable onboard verification combining J-ENG’s ammonia fueled marine engine model 7UEC50LSJA-HPSCR, a first mover in next-generation advanced fueled engines, with Mitsubishi Shipbuilding’s AFSS and AGAS. This combination is expected to further accelerate decarbonization efforts across the maritime industry.

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding will continue strengthening its business structure to meet the growing demand for ammonia-fueled vessels.

・ New research builds on earlier phases to explore the potential of ammonia-based, zero-carbon power generation
・ Continued target set on integrating proven technologies in gas turbines, supporting cleaner power generation in Indonesia

Tokyo, January 21, 2026 – Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) and Indonesia’s Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) have signed a new research agreement to extend their long-standing collaboration on the exploration of clean power generation, further advancing research related to ammonia-based fuel applications.

Building on earlier joint studies, the extended agreement continues research into ammonia combustion, with a focus on strengthening understanding of how ammonia can be applied safely and effectively in gas turbine systems. Through sustained collaboration, MHI and its power solutions brand, Mitsubishi Power, together with ITB, aim to reinforce the technical knowledge needed to support the practical use of ammonia in power generation and contribute to Indonesia’s long-term decarbonization goals.

During the signing ceremony in Bandung, Indonesia, Satoshi Hada, Senior Vice President of the GTCC Business Division at MHI, said: “Research and development are central to MHI and to our power solutions brand, Mitsubishi Power, as we work to advance cleaner power technologies. We are pleased to continue the momentum of our long-standing collaboration with ITB. Ammonia is increasingly recognized as a promising carbon-free fuel, but realizing its potential requires a deep and careful understanding of its unique properties. By building on the progress achieved together, we look forward to strengthening the technical foundations that can support cleaner and more sustainable power generation in Indonesia.”

Prof. Dr. Ir. Ari Darmawan Pasek, of ITB, said: “The transition to cleaner energy is essential in addressing climate change. Our collaboration with MHI reflects the importance of combining academic research with industrial expertise to advance cleaner fuel technologies. We are confident that this continued partnership will contribute valuable insights to support the future role of ammonia in power generation and Indonesia’s decarbonization journey.”

MHI and ITB first concluded a memorandum of understanding in 2020 to collaborate on research into next-generation clean energy solutions and analysis of big data relating to power plants. This partnership was extended in 2022 and has since progressed through multiple research initiatives focused on ammonia-fired power generation. The latest agreement continues this long-standing collaboration, building steadily on the work undertaken to date.

With support from its power solutions brand, Mitsubishi Power, MHI remains committed to contributing to Indonesia’s scientific and technological development in the energy sector, in line with the country’s ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060.