Energy Observer is taking a major step forward by starting the design of the maritime transport industry’s most emblematic ship: a multipurpose cargo ship powered by liquid hydrogen, a zero-emission navigation technology that enables extremely high transport capacity and autonomy.
Victorien Erussard, President and Founder of Energy Observer, will unveil the ship at the One Ocean Summit in Brest on February 10th.
Maritime transport accounts for 3% of worldwide CO2 emissions per year. Energy Observer and its partners aim to demonstrate prototype solutions for zero-emission freight transport. The technology have matured significantly, with liquid hydrogen storage perfected, liquefiers deployed globally, and the latest versions of mass-produced fuel cells.
Energy Observer is now addressing cutting-edge technological difficulties, such as tank integration and cryogenic temperature management, with the unwavering backing of its historical and technological partners.
Air Liquide is at the forefront, having been the world leader in hydrogen for industry and space for over 50 years. Air Liquide is a world leader in the manufacture, storage, distribution, and safety of liquid hydrogen, bringing its technological experience and innovation capability to the table.
Together with its Strategic Partner, the CMA CGM Group, Energy Observer analyzes the commercial and operational factors of this new generation of cargo ships. Thus, the CMA CGM Group, a global leader in maritime transport and logistics, and Energy Observer demonstrate their pioneering commitment to maritime transport’s energy transition.
EODev, Energy Observer’s industrial company that built the world’s first certified hydrogen boat and produces accessible and marinized systems, is a specialist in integrating fuel cells into challenging situations.
LMG Marin is the naval architectural firm that pioneered decarbonated propulsion and created the world’s first liquid hydrogen ferry, Hydra.
Ayro, the firm founded by Marc Van Peteghem to develop auxiliary propulsion systems for large ships, will equip the ship with its Oceanwings®. Energy Observer served as the first operational testbed for Ayro.
Another critical partner is Bureau Veritas, a pioneer in the growth of maritime norms and technologies, which has partnered with Energy Observer since the company’s first hydrogen-powered vessel was launched.
Finally, the French Maritime Cluster and the T2EM Institute are collaborating with academic, scientific, and industrial partners to establish the Institute for the Eco-Energy Transition of the Maritime Sector (T2EM), whose mission is to steer and implement the national structural program “Zero Emission Ship & Port” in order to achieve the sector’s goals of decarbonization, emissions reduction, and biodiversity conservation. Energy Observer 2 is the Institute’s “flagship” demonstration, the first full-scale demonstration capable of powering an entire industry.
