DRIFT Energy has entered into an exclusive strategic framework with Commenda Capital Partners to support the commercial deployment of at least 50 wind-powered hydrogen production vessels.
The program targets more than $500 million of project-level investment, expected to be financed through project-specific vehicles.
Under the framework, DRIFT Energy will continue to lead vessel technology, intellectual property, hydrogen production systems, routing software, project origination and offtake development.
Commenda Capital Partners has been appointed as the exclusive capital and project partner for the agreed program scope. Its responsibilities include capital structuring, investor engagement, debt and equity processes, SPV establishment and project execution.
DRIFT Energy is developing high-performance sailing vessels designed to harvest deep ocean wind and produce green energy onboard. The energy is stored on the vessels for delivery to demand centers, including ports, islands and coastal users.
The agreement follows DRIFT Energy’s 2026 Approval in Principle from RINA for an energy-harvesting ship. The approval supports the company’s move from vessel design and proof of concept toward commercial deployment.
Ben Medland, CEO of DRIFT Energy, said the framework with Commenda Capital Partners is intended to support the financing and scaling of the company’s model.
Ulrik Uhrenfeldt Andersen, CEO and Managing Partner of Commenda Capital Partners, said the vessels should be structured as maritime assets carrying maritime risk and financed accordingly.
For Commenda Capital Partners, the agreement represents a mandate for an independent maritime investment company focused on conventional shipping and new maritime asset classes.
