CMA CGM will collaborate with the Energy Observer to develop hydrogen for shipping on a large scale. The Energy Observer is the first hydrogen-powered vessel to sails around the globe. The vessel now functions as a “floating laboratory” that tests new energy sources for shipping.

‘Our partnership deals with the development of cleaner and more sustainable energies to eliminate CO2 emissions, greenhouse gases and air pollutants. It aims to experiment, test and develop energy solutions based on hydrogen, solar, tidal and wind power,’ both parties report in a press release.

Various players in the industry cite hydrogen as an opportunity to achieve the environmental targets imposed by the IMO: by 2050, CO2 emissions from shipping must be halved compared to the reference year 2008.

Green hydrogen from seawater

According to the parties involved, hydrogen produces four times more energy than coal and three times more than diesel. The Energy Observer produces green hydrogen from seawater and extracts the necessary electricity for production from wind, solar and tidal energy.

‘CMA CGM will contribute its expertise to this floating laboratory to promote the use of hydrogen as an emission-free fuel source for the shipping industry in the coming years,’ writes the shipping company.

This article first appeared (in Dutch) on Nieuwsblad Transport, a sister publication of SWZ|Maritime.

Picture: The Energy Observer (by Margauux P).