Green Hydrogen – HDF, Neuman & Esser Southeast Asia, and GIZ Partner Up to Decarbonise Indonesia’s Inter-Island Ferries
Jakarta, 10 October 2025 – The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbhH have signed a PPP agreement with Neuman & Esser South East Asia Ltd (NEA SEA), and HDF Energy (Hydrogène de France) at the Indonesia International Sustainability Forum (IISF) in Jakarta. The collaboration aims to decarbonise Indonesia’s inter-island ferries to further scale the development of Indonesia’s green hydrogen ecosystem and support the country’s decarbonisation efforts in maritime sectors.
Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelagic nation, is highly exposed to climate risks, and must reduce emissions to balance environmental and development goals. The maritime sector activities in Indonesia amounted to 40,013 kilotons of CO2e representing about 3.7% of the total shipping GHG emissions in 2018 as reported by International Maritime Organisation (IMO). The number shows the importance of Indonesia’s role in supporting shipping decarbonisation whilst also emphasizes the needs of international collaboration to address these challenges.
The collaboration forms part of the International Hydrogen Ramp-up Programme (H₂Uppp), commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE). Under this framework, the partners will explore technical and economic pathways for introducing hybrid hydrogen-powered ferry solutions across Indonesian waters. The study will assess vessel design, hydrogen supply infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and viable business models to enable sustainable, large-scale deployment in the maritime transport sector.
Additionally, it aims to advance Indonesia’s broader decarbonisation objectives by identifying scalable models for clean maritime transport. The assessment will commence soon after the signing, with results expected in 2026. The findings will guide subsequent activities, including potential pilot projects and investment partnerships.
Lisa Tinschert, Director of Energy Programme GIZ Indonesia/ASEAN, explained:
Indonesia’s maritime position offers unique opportunities to advance our climate goals.
”Through H2Uppp we support project development combining technology and local innovation to create jobs, drives growth, and expand the global hydrogen market.”
Mathieu Geze, Director for Asia-Pacific at HDF Energy and President Director of PT HDF Energy Indonesia, added:
This cooperation unites international expertise and national leadership to pave the way for Indonesia’s first hydrogen-powered ferry route whilst marking a key step toward a cleaner maritime future.
NEA SEA is part of the NEUMAN & ESSER (NEA), a leading global solution provider for compression and grinding systems with a strong focus on hydrogen, renewable gases, and energy transition technologies. Headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, NEA SEA oversees the group’s operations and customer support across the Southeast Asia region. With more than 190 years of engineering & manufacturing excellence, NEA delivers innovative, sustainable solutions for industries including energy, chemical, and industrial gases, contributing to a cleaner and more resilient global energy system. More information, visit: https://www.neuman-esser.com/en/
Hydrogen de France (HDF) develops, operates and owns large-scale hydrogen infrastructure as well as designs and mass production of high-power fuel cells. HDF hydrogen power plants deliver non-intermittent renewable, stable and baseload power by seamlessly integrating intermittent renewable energy sources with substantial on-site energy storage in the form of green hydrogen. Moreover, HDF Energy is also developing extensive infrastructure for the mass production of carbon-free hydrogen. More information, visit: https://hdf-energy.com/
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is a federal enterprise with more than 50 years’ experience in international cooperation. GIZ promotes economic development and employment, is committed to supporting energy and the environment, and work sfor peace and security, particularly in fragile contexts. More information, visit: https://www.giz.de/en/about-us
The International Hydrogen Ramp Up Programme (H2Uppp)
Through H2Uppp, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy supports the entrepreneurial drive and project development crucial to the global scaling of hydrogen markets. In doing so, the Ministry fosters investment and propels the global hydrogen economy. Private and public partners, consisting of companies based in Germany or the EU, possible local partners and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) will synergise their competencies through formalised public-private cooperation (PPP) projects with the aim of fostering the growth of the market for green H2/PtX technologies and applications across the entire value chain. More information, visit: https://ptx-hub.org/h2uppp/
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Green Hydrogen – HDF, Neuman & Esser Southeast Asia, and GIZ Partner Up to Decarbonise Indonesia’s Inter-Island Ferries, source
