Energy Observer 2: a new zero-emission boat for 2025

After a successful first experience, Energy Observer’s new adventure will take place on a zero-emission cargo ship starting in 2025.

Launched in 2017, Energy Observer was an ambitious boat project. It tested various propulsion systems: powered by a hydrogen fuel cell and batteries, operating thanks to solar energy, tidal turbines, or wind turbines. After 5 years and 40,000 nautical miles (37,000 km) traveled around the planet, a second episode is in preparation.

A zero-emission container cargo ship

Energy Observer cites its ambition to “offer prototype solutions moving towards zero emissions for freight transport”. The project aims to inspire a sector responsible for more than 3% of human activity’s CO₂ emissions. Among the 95,000 commercial ships, this new vessel will target the 13% of container ships.

115 meters long and 22 meters wide, Energy Observer 2 will be much larger than its predecessor. Its deck height is also quite different at 6.5 meters, accessible via a 15-meter-wide access ramp. It will be able to carry 240 TEU containers with a maximum weight of 5,000 tons.

“With this demonstrator, we aim to fully decarbonize medium-sized industrial ships by using hydrogen directly as fuel” declares Victorien Erussard, founder of Energy Observer, “we believe in the potential of the French maritime industry to become an international benchmark, benefiting from an efficient and agile research ecosystem.”

A hydrogen-focused propulsion system

The ship has a 4 MW electric propulsion, equivalent to 40 Renault ZOE (or 5,364 hp). This will be thanks to a REXH2 EODev hydrogen fuel cell of 2.5 MW, powered by 70-ton or 1,000 m³ tanks. To save energy, the sails “Oceanwings” are making a comeback with 4 masts covering 1,450 m².

The hydrogen-powered electric cargo ship will be able to cruise at a maximum of 12 knots (22.2 km/h) and will have an autonomy of 4,000 nautical miles (7,400 km).

Energy Observer 1 continues its saga

For comparison, the first Energy Observer only had 8 tanks for 63 kg of hydrogen (produced via electrolyzer). They fueled two 1 MW fuel cells that powered the two variable-pitch electric thrusters, as well as the onboard heating. The vessel was also equipped with 202 m² of solar panels, 1,400 kg of batteries, and 2 wind turbines.

While awaiting its big brother in 2025, Energy Observer will set sail in Asia in 2022, before crossing the Atlantic in 2023. It will return to France in 2 years, to mark the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The new Energy Observer 2 ship will take over in 2025. It will be unveiled on February 10th by President Victorien Erussard during the One Ocean Summit in Brest.

Also read: Retrofit: Transdev converts a first hydrogen bus