Zepp.solutions, a Dutch hydrogen fuel cell firm, has been chosen to provide 1 MW hydrogen fuel cell systems for a retrofit project aimed at zero-emission solutions for coastal and river ships. The NERA-H2 project focuses on retrofitting an existing river cruise ship with hydrogen-powered fuel cells in order to address stricter emissions regulations, especially in urban areas. The initiative targets electrification solutions for river cruise ships, aiming to meet power needs ranging from 5 to 20 MW for varying distances. With over 420 river cruise vessels in Europe and increasing emissions restrictions, the potential for retrofitting ships with sustainable powertrains is significant. However, challenges exist in scaling up fuel cell systems to effectively power larger ships. The project emphasizes the importance of decarbonization efforts in the maritime sector and underscores the need to not only focus on newbuild vessels but also on upgrading existing fleets with environmentally friendly technologies.