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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>Union of Concerned Scientists, http://www.ucsusa.org/clean-vehicles/electric-vehicles/how-do-hydrogen-fuel-cells-work</ref> <ref>Green Car Reports, http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1088626_hydrogen-fuel-cell-cars-to-come-from-toyota-hyundai-honda</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 fueling station and store highly compressed (and explosive!) hydrogen.
On the horizon for sea transportation are two promising fuel-cell technologies: Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) and Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC).<ref>Center for Renewable Energy & Sustainable technology, http://solstice.crest.org/hydrogen/hydrogen_fuelcell_intro.html</ref> They operate at a fairly low temperature (50-100 °C and 50-200 °C, respectively) compared to other fuel cell technologies, warm up quickly and don't require expensive containment structures.