The 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), held in Belém, transcended traditional diplomatic negotiations to become a technological showcase for the energy and logistics sectors. For the B2B market and the infrastructure sector, the event consolidated a clear thesis: green hydrogen (H2V) is no longer just a distant promise, but an applicable and scalable solution for decarbonization, with the maritime sector leading this vanguard.
The context is urgent and strategic. Global maritime transport is responsible for approximately 3% of carbon dioxide emissions—the equivalent of about 1.2 gigatons annually. Given the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) goals of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, the innovations presented in Brazil signal a structural shift in global value chains.
Technological innovation and proof of concept in Brazilian waters
The technical highlight of the conference was the materialization of theory into operational assets. Brazil presented the Explorer H1 (also referred to as JAQ H1), the country's first vessel equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell system, developed in partnership with GWM Hydrogen-FTXT.
For executives assessing the maturity of this technology, the Explorer H1 development timeline offers a plan for gradual and secure implementation:
- Phase 1 (2025): The focus is on the vessel's "hospitality" operations. Lighting, air conditioning, kitchen, and entertainment systems operate with zero emissions, utilizing the electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, whose only byproduct is water.
- Phase 2 (2026): Implementation of hybrid propulsion. The combination of 20% hydrogen with 80% diesel in two high-efficiency engines is projected to reduce harmful gas emissions by up to 80%, allowing navigation on Amazonian rivers with reduced impact.
- Phase 3 (2027): Complete energy self-sufficiency. The planned launch of Explorer H2, a 50-meter vessel, will introduce onboard hydrogen production via seawater desalination and electrolysis, closing the carbon-neutral cycle.
Meanwhile, the BotoH2 project, sponsored by Itaipu Binacional, demonstrated the versatility of the technology on a smaller scale. Measuring 9.5 meters, the vessel integrates fuel cells with solar panels for logistical recycling operations on the islands of Belém, proving the social and urban viability of H2V beyond luxury passenger transport.
Regulatory environment and financial incentives for the sector
For private investors, the technology is only viable with legal certainty and clear incentives. COP30 marked a turning point in Brazilian regulation with the confirmation of the signing of the decree regulating hydrogen laws in 2025.
The most impactful announcement for the sector's companies was the release of R$ 18.3 billion in tax credits until 2032. This volume of resources demonstrates a robust state commitment to making green hydrogen economically competitive with fossil fuels.
The new regulatory framework establishes precise technical metrics, defining low-carbon hydrogen as that which results in a value equal to or less than 7 kgCO2eq/kgH2. This definition provides the predictability necessary for calculating return on investment (ROI) in long-term infrastructure projects.
Additionally, the Ministry of Ports and Airports presented the Sustainable Vessels Directive and the Sustainable Vessel Requirements Assessment Matrix (M.A.R.E.S.). This mechanism creates a voluntary certification system that prioritizes vessels using clean fuels—such as green hydrogen, ammonia, and biomethanol—in chartering processes, creating an immediate competitive advantage for early adopters.
Business ecosystem and infrastructure development
Analysis of the projects reveals that the energy transition is not a solitary effort, but a collaborative ecosystem. The hydrogen boat project, which received a total investment of R$ 150 million, involves strategic stakeholders such as Grupo Náutica and JAQ Apoio Marítimo, alongside the technical expertise of Itaipu Parquetec and the fuel cell technology of GWM Hydrogen-FTXT.
Operational efficiency is a key factor in this investment. Hydrogen fuel cells demonstrate efficiencies between 48% and 62%, a significant qualitative leap compared to the approximately 30% efficiency of traditional combustion engines.
Já o antigo problema da falta de postos de abastecimento começou a ser resolvido em várias regiões do país:
- Norte: The project includes the installation of a hydrogen refueling station in Belém.
- Sul: The contract for the first green hydrogen station in Rio Grande do Sul, in Passo Fundo, was formalized with an investment of R$ 38.7 million.
- Sudeste: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Port of Açu and JAQ Apoio Marítimo foresees the arrival of the Explorer H1 at the port complex in Rio de Janeiro in 2026, expanding its operational reach to the country's main oil and gas hub.
Future prospects for Brazilian leadership
COP30 revealed that Brazil possesses more than just natural potential; the country is building the governance and engineering necessary to lead the maritime energy transition. Minister Rui Costa highlighted that the objective is to gain scale and reduce costs by extending service vessel technology to mass transportation. Business leaders must understand: decarbonization has ceased to be merely an obligation (compliance) and has become a source of competitiveness and capital attraction. With regulations in place, billions in tax incentives, and validated technology, the race for hydrogen leadership in the South Atlantic is in full swing.
