In a strategic move to strengthen the clean hydrogen supply chain, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) announced that $3.9 million in funding is now available to support the development of innovative maritime solutions for transporting clean hydrogen across the state.

The funding aims to promote the design and operation of new or retrofitted vessels capable of transporting at least 20,000 kilograms of clean hydrogen over distances of 100 nautical miles or more. This initiative provides a viable alternative to land-based transportation methods, helping to overcome logistical and economic barriers, reduce costs, and increase operational efficiency.

“Investing in innovative ways to scale the delivery of clean hydrogen is a crucial step to ensuring this emerging fuel can support New York State’s clean energy transition,” said Doreen M. Harris, NYSERDA President and CEO. “The transport solutions supported by this opportunity will help enable the safe adoption of clean hydrogen in hard-to-electrify sectors.”

Call for proposals seeks efficient vessels and community-focused projects

The competitive solicitation, part of NYSERDA’s Advanced Fuels and Thermal Energy Storage Program, invites project teams composed of naval architects, shipyards, and vessel operators based in New York State, in partnership with clean hydrogen fuel suppliers. The proposed vessels do not need to be powered by hydrogen.

Preference will be given to teams with experience designing, building, and operating vessels that transport hydrogen or alternative fuels, or those familiar with New York’s waterways and marine ports. Projects must adhere to strict maritime and hydrogen safety standards and include engagement with local communities—especially disadvantaged, low-income, and rural communities—to highlight the economic and social benefits of the initiative.

Proposals must be submitted by October 1, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. ET. NYSERDA will host an informational webinar on July 30, 2025, to review the solicitation details, requirements, and application process.

Roxana Bekemohammadi, Founder and Executive Director of the United States Hydrogen Alliance, welcomed the announcement: “This solicitation reflects New York’s forward-thinking approach to clean hydrogen. By advancing maritime hydrogen transportation, the state is addressing a critical infrastructure gap and leveraging its waterways to accelerate near-term distribution.”

For his part, David Terry, President of the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO), added: “As states work to scale hydrogen and other innovative energy solutions, safe and efficient distribution systems are key. NYSERDA’s investment in maritime transport will connect hydrogen production sites with demand centers, enabling growth while utilizing regional waterways.”

This initiative builds on New York’s broader investment in clean hydrogen as part of its strategy to decarbonize hard-to-electrify sectors and improve energy resilience. Through its Innovation and Research program, NYSERDA continues to fund technologies that advance the state’s clean energy goals.