UK-based DRIFT Energy plans to build over 50 wind-powered sailing vessels that produce green hydrogen at sea. The ships use underwater turbines to generate electricity from motion, which then powers onboard electrolyzers that split desalinated seawater into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen is stored and delivered to ports, avoiding the need for undersea cables or fixed offshore infrastructure. A $500 million framework agreement with Commenda Capital Partners will fund the fleet, which the company says is one of the largest planned for offshore hydrogen production. The project targets a key problem in the green hydrogen sector: high production costs. By moving production offshore and using wind propulsion, DRIFT aims to cut capital expenses and transmission losses. The vessels can sail to areas with strong winds, produce hydrogen, and bring it back to shore. This approach could open up production in remote regions where traditional offshore wind or pipeline setups are not feasible. With global hydrogen demand nearing 100 million tonnes per year but low-emissions hydrogen still under 2% of supply, the project addresses a real gap. The $500 million framework with Commenda Capital Partners suggests the model is moving beyond concept stage, though the actual cost per kilogram and delivery logistics will determine whether it scales.
