In the past week, more information became known about the largest vessel to-date to operate on liquid hydrogen: the Energy Observer 2 (EO2), a project spearheaded by Energy Observer in collaboration with partners like LMG Marin. This blog post summarizes what is known to date about this large vessel.
Introducing Energy Observer 2
Building upon the success of the original Energy Observer—a vessel that demonstrated the viability of renewable energy and hydrogen integration—the EO2 project aims to revolutionize cargo shipping. This 160-meter containership will carry up to 1,100 TEU containers, operating entirely on liquid hydrogen, thereby ensuring zero-emission voyages. Zero emission operation is scheduled to take place on a route along the west coast of Europe. This will connect major ports such as Hamburg, Rotterdam, Antwerp, and Bordeaux, offering a new green corridor on a high-traffic maritime route.
Key Features of EO2:
- Sustainable Propulsion: Equipped with electric propulsion powered by 4.8 MW fuel cells developed in partnership with EODev and Toyota, EO2 exemplifies cutting-edge maritime technology.
- Innovative Design: Two large C-type liquid hydrogen tanks located on the aft deck with a total volume of 1,000 m3.
- Operational Efficiency: With a range of up to 4,000 nautical miles, EO2 is tailored for intra-continental and coastal routes. This is a sustainable alternative to traditional road transportation.
- No sails: surprisingly, this latest design does not show the Oceanwings’ sails that were present in earlier designs. One possible reason for this omission is the potential interference with cargo operations(?).
Collaborative Efforts
The development of EO2 is a testament to collaborative innovation. LMG Marin, renowned for its expertise in decarbonized propulsion, is leading the ship’s design. Other key partners include Air Liquide, CMA CGM Group, Bureau Veritas, and Ayro, each contributing specialized knowledge to ensure the project’s success.
European Union’s Support
Highlighting its commitment to sustainable maritime solutions, the European Union’s Innovation Fund has awarded the EO2 project €40 million. See also this blog post.This funding should cover all green equipment cost and a significant amount of operational expense. The grant accelerates the path toward constructing and operating the world’s largest liquid hydrogen-powered cargo ship by 2029.
A Vision for the Future
EO2 is not just another ship; it’s a vision for the future of maritime transport. By integrating advanced technologies and fostering international collaboration, it aims to set a new standard for zero-emission shipping due to it’s larger scale, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.
As the maritime industry navigates toward a sustainable future, projects like Energy Observer 2 illuminate the course, demonstrating that with innovation and cooperation, zero-emission shipping is not just an aspiration but an achievable reality.
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