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→Fuel Cells
There are several [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuel_cell fuel-cell technologies] that combine hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity. The oxygen required for a fuel cell comes directly from the air. The hydrogen is not so readily available. It is difficult to distribute and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrogen_storage store].
The electricity is used to turn a shaft motor, just like in a diesel-electric system. Current devices the size of a small piece of luggage can [https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/fuelcell.shtml power a car]. <ref>http://www.ucsusa.org/clean-vehicles/electric-vehicles/how-do-hydrogen-fuel-cells-work</ref> As fuel-cell technology improves, fuel cells may well be widespread in marine use. They are already powering submarines and yachts.
However, there are no practical alternatives to diesel fuel for ocean-going boats because of the need to fill up at a fuelling station and store highly compressed (and explosive!) hydrogen.