Wave 2 The Future

The maritime sector is responsible for approximately 3% of global CO₂ emissions^[1]. Among the various initiatives implemented by Fincantieri to achieve the ambitious goal of designing the first net-zero emission ship by 2035 is Wave 2 The Future. The project aims to enable the use of hydrogen in the maritime sector and is part of the European IPCEI Hydrogen program, which aims to promote innovation and environmental transition by making green hydrogen available, along with the technologies needed to exploit its decarbonization potential and their application in real-world scenarios.

Navigating with hydrogen rotects the planet

Core to Wave 2 The Future project is the use of hydrogen as an onboard energy source. When produced from renewable sources through water electrolysis, hydrogen generates no CO2 emissions during either production or use, substantially reducing the environmental impact of ships. When used in conjunction with traditional sources, hydrogen enables a significant reduction in emissions. This is a step forward compared to the incremental innovations of traditional propulsion systems and energy efficiency improvements, which currently allow emissions to be reduced by up to 50%.

Specifically, Wave 2 the Future involves the development of three main technological lines:

• a hybrid propulsion system consisting of hydrogen-powered engines, PEM fuel cells, combined with lithium batteries and possibly solar panel systems, developed by the subsidiary Isotta Fraschini Motori;

• a marine-adapted, hydrogen-powered combined cycle system for high-efficiency energy production;

• the integration of PEM and SOFC fuel cell technologies on board cruise ships, with innovative hydrogen storage and distribution systems.

The application of fuel cells on board has the advantage not only of reducing polluting emissions (GHG, NOx, SOx, particulate matter), but also of introducing energy conversion systems with improved energy efficiency, better vibro-acoustic comfort for the ship, with positive effects on air quality.

In this way, Fincantieri demonstrates that environmental sustainability is not just a long-term goal, but a structured industrial path that is already underway, with the innovation of hydrogen applied to navigation representing one of the keys contributing to the protection of ecosystems and the decarbonization of the maritime sector.

A future already on board

Wave 2 The Future is tangible proof that for Fincantieri, sustainability is not just a statement of intent, but a commitment expressed through an industrial path that is already underway. The project brings to the sea a technology whose application, until just a few years ago, seemed distant: hydrogen as the primary energy source for navigation. In other words, transforming ships into true laboratories of innovation, capable of combining performance, safety, and environmental respect.

On an environmental level, hydrogen drastically reduces emissions and makes the ship a clean model: not only less CO₂, but also fewer nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, and particulate matter. The benefits extend not only to the oceans, but also to port cities and their ecosystems, which can enjoy cleaner air and live in quieter, more livable spaces.

On a social level, sustainability becomes a generator of value. Wave 2 The Future stimulates the creation of a European hydrogen supply chain, creates new engineering skills and opportunities for young people, attracts investments to local areas, and improves the quality of life for coastal communities.

Finally, in terms of governance, the project embodies a public-private collaboration model based on transparency and the sharing of results. The knowledge and infrastructure developed become a common, replicable, and scalable asset, helping to strengthen the entire European hydrogen value chain.

With Wave 2 The Future, Fincantieri consolidates its role as a technological enabler of the green transition within the maritime sector: a Group that not only designs ships, but charts a course that unites industry, institutions, and communities towards a future where navigation will be zero-emission.

Innovation that creates value for people

Joining Wave 2 the Future is not just about technology, but also about the people who make it possible. The project contributes to the creation of a new European hydrogen supply chain, with Fincantieri acting as coordinator of an ecosystem involving companies, research centers, and institutions.

According to FCH's Hydrogen Roadmap Europe study, the hydrogen sector could achieve an annual turnover of €820 billion by 2050 and create up to 5.4 million jobs. Wave 2 the Future fits into this perspective, stimulating new skilled employment in engineering, technical and research fields, and creating specialized professions in the safety and management of hydrogen systems.

For young people, this means training in highly innovative sectors; for territories, it means attracting investment and developing dedicated industrial areas. Fincantieri's commitment in this field has already been demonstrated with pioneering projects such as the ZEUS (Zero Emission Ultimate Ship) trial, the world's first fuel cell-powered naval vessel.

In this way, Wave 2 The Future establishes itself as a project that creates widespread value, strengthening the social fabric and generating measurable benefits for people, communities, and local areas.