First energy self-sufficient vessel powered by hydrogen launched

Air Liquide has partnered with Energy Observer, a project that involves the world’s first seagoing vessel powered by hydrogen and renewable energies, energy self-sufficient and with zero greenhouse gas or fine particle emissions. Officially launched in Saint-Malo, Brittany, this pilot catamaran will make the first-ever trip around the world powered solely by renewable energies in order to test these technologies under extreme conditions so they can be rolled out on a larger scale, at sea and on land, for mobile and stationary purposes.

Energy Observer, project initiated by Victorien Erussard (Captain) and Jérôme Delafosse (Explorer), embarks on a 6-year world tour that will take the team to 50 countries and involve 101 stops with the main challenge to aim for self-reliance through energy coupling and the carbon-free production of hydrogen.

To ensure the energy self-sufficiency of the ship all along the expedition, day and night, the hydrogen produced via the electrolysis of seawater will be compressed and stored and then converted into electricity by means of the fuel cell.

Air Liquide is giving its support to this scientific and technological project, which demonstrates the role of hydrogen in the energy transition. Support for this project also illustrates the company’s ambition to contribute to a more sustainable world.

https://www.ngvjournal.com/first-energy-self-sufficient-vessel-powered-by-hydrogen-launched/