Zero Emission Industries (ZEI) Company Profile

Background

Overview

Zero Emission Industries (ZEI), formerly known as Golden Gate Zero Emission Marine, is a hydrogen technology company specializing in the development and commercialization of hydrogen fuel cell power systems and refueling solutions for maritime applications. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, ZEI focuses on providing zero-emission propulsion solutions to the maritime industry.

Mission and Vision

ZEI's mission is to accelerate the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell technology in the maritime sector, aiming to decarbonize marine transportation and contribute to global sustainability efforts. The company's vision is to lead the transition to clean energy in maritime operations by delivering innovative and practical hydrogen solutions.

Primary Area of Focus

ZEI concentrates on designing and manufacturing hydrogen fuel cell power systems and refueling infrastructure tailored for marine vessels, including ferries, harbor craft, and other commercial ships. By integrating hydrogen technology, ZEI seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote cleaner maritime transportation.

Industry Significance

As the maritime industry faces increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions, ZEI plays a pivotal role by providing viable hydrogen solutions that enable the transition to sustainable marine operations. The company's innovations, such as the Sea Change ferry—the world's first commercial hydrogen fuel cell vessel—demonstrate the practical application of hydrogen technology in maritime settings.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Decarbonization of Maritime Transportation: Develop and deploy hydrogen fuel cell systems to replace traditional diesel engines, thereby reducing carbon emissions in the maritime sector.

Innovation in Hydrogen Technology: Advance hydrogen fuel cell technology to enhance performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness for marine applications.

Expansion of Hydrogen Infrastructure: Establish and promote hydrogen refueling solutions to support the widespread adoption of hydrogen-powered vessels.

Specific Areas of Specialization

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Systems: Design and manufacture fuel cell power systems optimized for marine environments, focusing on efficiency, durability, and ease of integration.

Hydrogen Refueling Solutions: Develop portable and stationary hydrogen refueling infrastructure to facilitate seamless fueling of hydrogen-powered vessels.

Key Technologies Utilized

Hydrogen Fuel Cells: Utilize proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell technology to generate electricity from hydrogen, providing a clean and efficient power source for marine vessels.

Hydrogen Storage Systems: Implement advanced hydrogen storage solutions to ensure safe and efficient storage and transportation of hydrogen fuel.

Integrated Power Systems: Combine fuel cells with battery storage and electric propulsion systems to deliver reliable and high-performance powertrains for marine applications.

Primary Markets Targeted

Maritime Transportation: Focus on commercial vessels, including ferries, harbor craft, and cargo ships, aiming to replace diesel engines with hydrogen fuel cell systems.

Port Operations: Provide hydrogen refueling infrastructure to support the fueling needs of hydrogen-powered vessels operating in port areas.

Heavy-Duty Land Transportation: Extend hydrogen fuel cell technology to heavy-duty trucks and other land-based vehicles, contributing to the decarbonization of the transportation sector.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

ZEI has secured significant funding to support its growth and technological advancements:

Series A Funding Round (September 2022): ZEI completed a Series A funding round led by Chevron New Energies, with additional investment from Crowley. The funds are intended to enable ZEI to roll out its next-generation fully integrated marine power system and scale operations to meet industry demand.

Series A Funding Round (November 2023): ZEI raised $8.75 million in a Series A financing round led by Chevron New Energies, with participation from Trafigura and Crowley. The capital is allocated to accelerate the development and deployment of hydrogen fuel cell systems and refueling infrastructure.

Total Funds Raised

As of November 2023, ZEI has raised a total of $8.75 million in Series A funding.

Notable Investors

Chevron New Energies: A division of Chevron Corporation focusing on lower-carbon energy solutions.

Crowley: A U.S.-based shipping and logistics company with a commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

Trafigura: A global commodity trading and logistics company.

Intended Utilization of Capital

The raised funds are intended to:

Develop Integrated Hydrogen Power Systems: Advance the design and manufacturing of hydrogen fuel cell power systems tailored for marine applications.

Expand Hydrogen Refueling Infrastructure: Establish and enhance hydrogen refueling solutions to support the operational needs of hydrogen-powered vessels.

Scale Operations: Increase production capacity and operational capabilities to meet the growing demand for zero-emission maritime solutions.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

Sea Change Ferry: The world's first commercial hydrogen fuel cell ferry, launched in August 2021. The vessel is designed to carry 84 passengers at a top speed of 22 knots, emitting only water vapor.

FTcase Portable Fueler: A man-portable hydrogen refueling system developed by ZEI to provide safe, easy, and flexible hydrogen fueling solutions for various markets.

Stages of Development

Sea Change Ferry: Launched in August 2021, the ferry has completed its first hydrogen fueling and is in trials, expected to carry 75 passengers at speeds of up to 20 knots when ready to enter service.

FTcase Portable Fueler: Introduced in June 2025, the FTcase is designed to provide flexible hydrogen fueling solutions, addressing infrastructure challenges and supporting the adoption of hydrogen-powered vessels.

Target Conditions

ZEI's pipeline developments target the following conditions:

Maritime Transportation: Replacing diesel engines with hydrogen fuel cell systems to reduce emissions and promote sustainability.

Hydrogen Infrastructure: Establishing reliable and accessible hydrogen refueling solutions to support the operational needs of hydrogen-powered vessels.

Anticipated Milestones

Sea Change Ferry: Expected to enter service, carrying passengers at speeds of up to 20 knots, contributing to the decarbonization of maritime transportation.

FTcase Portable Fueler: Deployment across various maritime operations to facilitate hydrogen fueling and support the adoption of hydrogen-powered vessels.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Systems: ZEI designs and manufactures fuel cell power systems optimized for marine environments, focusing on efficiency, durability, and ease of integration.

Hydrogen Storage Solutions: The company implements advanced hydrogen storage systems to ensure safe and efficient storage and transportation of hydrogen fuel.

Integrated Power Systems: ZEI combines fuel cells with battery storage and electric propulsion systems to deliver reliable and high-performance powertrains for marine applications.

Significant Scientific Methods

Hydrogen Fueling Technology: ZEI has developed patented hydrogen fueling technology that allows vessels to be fueled directly from hydrogen trucks, simplifying the fueling process and reducing infrastructure costs.

Leadership Team

Key Executives

Dr. Joe Pratt: CEO and Founder of ZEI, Dr. Pratt has a background in hydrogen technology and marine applications, leading the company's strategic direction and innovation efforts.

John Motlow: Executive Vice President of ZEI, Mr. Motlow oversees the company's technological development and operational strategies, focusing on delivering practical hydrogen solutions to the maritime industry.

Leadership Changes

As of December 2025, there have been no publicly reported significant changes or appointments within ZEI's leadership team.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The maritime industry is under increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions, leading to a growing demand for sustainable propulsion solutions. Hydrogen fuel cell technology offers a promising pathway to decarbonize maritime transportation, with several companies developing competing solutions.

Competitor Analysis