The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has announced up to $3.9 million in available funding under Program Opportunity Notice (PON) 6021 to support the development of innovative maritime vessels designed specifically for efficient bulk hydrogen transport over short- to medium-distance maritime routes. This initiative aims to advance maritime hydrogen transportation solutions that address current logistical barriers, enhance storage capacity, reduce costs, and accelerate the deployment of hydrogen infrastructure within New York State. This competitive solicitation, offered through NYSERDA’s Hydrogen and Clean Fuels Program, seeks qualified proposals from collaborative project teams composed of maritime vessel naval architect and/or shipyard , maritime vessel operators based in New York State, and hydrogen fuel suppliers. Strong preference will be given to teams demonstrating experience in designing, constructing, and operating hydrogen or alternative fuel vessels, as well as familiarity with New York State’s waterways and maritime port infrastructure. Eligible projects must present clearly defined, innovative maritime vessel designs capable of safely transporting at least 20,000 kilograms of hydrogen per shipment over maritime routes of at least 100 nautical miles, demonstrating scalability, compliance with relevant maritime and hydrogen safety standards, and logistical feasibility for intrastate or nearshore hydrogen transport within New York State waterways or from adjacent states. Selected projects will be expected to complete comprehensive technical and market analyses, detailed engineering and design activities, initial safety and regulatory assessments, and cost evaluations covering both capital expenditures (CAPEX) and operational expenditures (OPEX).
