Navalprogetti, a Trieste-based engineering firm with a 48-year history in maritime innovation, is steering the shipping industry towards a greener future by embracing hydrogen technologies. The company, initially renowned for its work in fossil fuel sectors, has undergone a strategic pivot, driven by a new generation of leaders and a global push for decarbonisation.
The shift began a decade ago, with Navalprogetti diversifying its research and development into alternative energy sources, particularly hydrogen. This transition mirrors broader changes in the maritime industry, where reducing emissions has become a strategic imperative. The company’s journey started with liquefied natural gas (LNG) systems in 2012, serving as a transitional solution, before focusing on hydrogen applications since 2019.
One of Navalprogetti’s most significant projects is sHYpS, which aims to design and implement a hydrogen-powered energy generation system onboard a Viking Cruises vessel. The system, capable of producing up to 6 megawatts of power, will allow the ship to operate using liquid hydrogen, releasing only water vapour into the environment. The project, involving 13 partners from six countries, won first place in the Innovation category at the Waterborne Awards in 2025.
“Working with liquid hydrogen presents complex technological challenges,” says Pierluigi Busetto, one of Navalprogetti’s partners. The fuel must be stored at extremely low temperatures, around -253°C, requiring advanced cryogenic systems and strict safety protocols. Despite these obstacles, hydrogen is increasingly seen as a viable solution for reducing maritime emissions, particularly in short-distance cruising or port operations.
Navalprogetti has reported growing interest in hydrogen-based systems from long-standing clients in the oil and gas sector. While the maritime industry has yet to identify a single universal fuel for the future, hydrogen is considered one of the safest alternatives for passenger vessels due to its clean combustion and lower toxicity.
However, its use on long-range routes remains limited by current storage and distribution constraints. Navalprogetti is actively contributing to research aimed at expanding the practical range of hydrogen-powered systems. In the meantime, hydrogen propulsion offers compelling benefits in other scenarios, such as providing clean, onboard power during port stays, significantly reducing emissions in urban port areas.
This news underscores the maritime industry’s growing commitment to sustainable technologies. Navalprogetti’s leadership in hydrogen innovation could accelerate the adoption of similar systems across the sector, influencing global shipping standards and regulations. As the company continues to invest in research and development, it is positioning itself as a key player in the shift towards more sustainable maritime transport. The success of projects like sHYpS could inspire other engineering firms to explore hydrogen technologies, fostering a wave of innovation in the maritime industry.