Decarbonizing Indonesia’s Maritime Sector with Green Hydrogen: A Strategic Collaboration

PT HDF Energy Indonesia, a subsidiary of French hydrogen player HDF Energy, has taken a significant step towards decarbonizing Indonesia’s maritime sector. In a recent development, the company has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation, state-owned electric utility PT PLN (Persero), and ferry operator PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) to explore the use of locally produced green hydrogen in the maritime industry.

The partners, who formalized the agreement on April 15, will collaborate on a study, co-funded by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), focusing on Eastern Indonesia. This region is known for housing many of ASDP’s key ferry routes. HDF Energy is currently developing 23 ‘Renewstable’ hydrogen power plants in the area, laying the groundwork for the production of green hydrogen to decarbonize maritime transport. The hydrogen will be used to power fuel cells developed by HDF in France, offering a zero-emission propulsion solution for maritime vessels.

ASDP will play a crucial role in identifying opportunities for converting its fleet and port infrastructures to green hydrogen-based solutions, with the aim of reducing emissions by replacing traditional diesel engines. PLN, on the other hand, has previously partnered with HDF to accelerate the deployment of ‘Renewstable’ hydrogen power plants as an eco-friendly alternative to diesel-based power.

Mathieu Geze, HDF Energy’s Director for APAC and President Director of PT HDF Energy Indonesia, expressed pride in the collaboration, stating: “We aim to place Indonesia at the forefront of green hydrogen innovation in the Asia-Pacific.” Jose Matheickal, Director of the Technical Cooperation and Implementation Division at IMO, lauded the initiative as a step towards a zero-emission maritime future.

This partnership is part of HDF Energy’s broader development drive in Southeast Asia. In the Philippines, the company signed an MoU with the Department of Transportation to explore green hydrogen for maritime vessels, while in Vietnam, HDF entered into a strategic partnership with ACST to advance green hydrogen solutions, including retrofitting diesel ferries with hydrogen fuel cells.

Villamor Ventura “Bong” Plan, Assistant Secretary for Maritime at the Philippines’ Department of Transportation, highlighted the potential of green hydrogen in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime sector. Nguyen Thi Phuong Hien, Deputy Director of ACST, emphasized the commitment to sustainability and reducing emissions in Vietnam’s transportation sector.