On the 16th of December, the TU Delft Hydro Motion Team presented the design of their brand-new foiling liquid hydrogen-powered boat. This year, the team is focusing on two major innovations: the integration of a liquid hydrogen storage system and the change to a so called “pi” foil.
During the reception of the design reveal, guests could explore the design in an entirely new way through an interactive virtual reality (VR) booth. This 3D experience allowed everyone to step virtually into the boat, examine the foils up close, and get a first glimpse of what the team will be racing with in Monaco next summer.
Liquid hydrogen storage
This year the Hydro Motion Team is focusing on two major innovations. The first being the integration of a liquid hydrogen storage system, making it possible to store the same amount of energy in a much smaller volume compared to gaseous hydrogen.
A 350-litre, 350-bar carbon-fibre tank stores 8 kg of gaseous hydrogen. A new custom liquid hydrogen tank adds 9.2 kg, maintaining temperatures below -253°C. Boil-off gas is used by an auxiliary fuel cell to generate electricity when the main fuel cell is off, and is routed to the main fuel cell during full operation to maximise power.
Also read: VIDEO: TU Delft Hydro Motion Team reveals liquid-hydrogen boat
Pi foil
The second major change this year is that the team is connecting the front foils to make one large wing, called a “pi” foil. This increases hydrodynamic efficiency by removing the middle two tip vortices, thus reducing induced drag.
It also makes it possible to perform banking turns, which will reduce the lateral loads on the struts, making th boat glide through the water more efficiently. The entire front and rear foils can actuate up and down, and the front foil features small control surfaces for precise roll control. The rear strut can rotate 180 degrees to provide tight steering capabilities.
Other design features
The monohull V-shape is retained, combining the seaworthiness of the 2024 North Sea design with last year’s sleeker hull. A high bow and sloped deck improve wave-piercing and shed water, keeping compartments dry, while reduced stern volume saves weight. A spray rail further enhances seaworthiness and adds lift.
The driveline links the motor to a custom, high-efficiency propeller via the rear strut. Larger bevel gears replace last year’s limiting design, allowing higher torque and speed. A more central driveshaft improves strut hydrodynamics. The tractor-style propeller, positioned ahead of the strut, enhances efficiency and steering.
Foil height and stability are controlled by electric actuators and push-pull rods. Rear foil height control remains unchanged, while steering now uses an electric motor with belt drive for greater precision and simplicity. The connected front pi foil requires a new height and roll control system, enabling banking turns through independent actuation of the main foil and ailerons.
Also read: TU Delft Hydro Motion Team wins second place in Monaco
Production underway
The production phase of the new boat has now begun. The coming months will be filled with building, testing, and refining. In summer, the team will compete at the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge 2026.
Picture by TU Delft Hydro Motion Team.
Also read: TU Delft Hydro Motion Team crosses North Sea with hydrogen boat
