After having developed an autonomous laboratory vessel with the first complete hydrogen chain, Energy Observer has launched a multipurpose cargo ship design fuelled by liquid hydrogen. The technology allows zero-emission navigation, while offering very high transport capacities and great autonomy.
The ambition of Energy Observer and its partners is to present prototype solutions leaning towards zero-emission for the transport of goods. The technologies are now mature, with liquid hydrogen storage well mastered, the deployment of liquefiers around the world, and the latest generations of mass-produced fuel cells.
Energy Observer is now tackling the latest technological challenges, such as the integration of large tanks or the management of cryogenic temperatures.
To bring about the new ship design, the company works together with different partners. Air Liquide is involved for its experience with the production, storage, distribution, and safety of liquid hydrogen. Together with the CMA CGM Group, Energy Observers analyses the commercial and operational parameters of this new generation of cargo-ship.
Also read: CMA CGM joins hydrogen project with ‘floating laboratory’
EODev, the industrial subsidiary of Energy Observer that designed the first certified hydrogen boat, works on fuel cells’ integration in demanding environments, while LMG Marin is the design office in charge of the project. Ayro will equip the ship with its Oceanwings. The classification society involved is Bureau Veritas.
Flagship
The French Maritime Cluster and the T2EM Institute is working with academic, scientific, and industrial partners to create the Institute for the Eco-Energy Transition of the Maritime Sector (T2EM), whose objective is to steer and implement the national structuring program “Zero Emission Ship & Port” to achieve the goals of decarbonation, emissions reduction and respect for the biodiversity of the sector. The Energy Observer 2 is to be the Institute’s flagship, the first full-scale demonstrator to power the entire industry.
The main features of Energy Observer 2 are:
- Length: 120 metres
- Width: 22 metres
- Draft: 5.5 metres
- The surface of the wings: 1450 m2
- Deadweight: 5000 tonnes
- Containers: 240 TEU (Twenty feet equivalent)
- Ro-ro bridge: 480 linear metres (trucks, vehicles, and containers)
- Tween deck height: 6.5 metres
- Access ramp: 15 metres wide
- Commercial speed: 12 knots
- Electric propulsion: 4 MW
- Fuel cell power (RexH2 EODev): 2.5 MW
- Liquid hydrogen tanks (LH2): 70 tonnes (1000 m3)
- Range: up to 4,000 nautical miles
Also read: Five lessons to learn on hydrogen as a marine fuel
