Very pleased to see the EU Innovation fund specifically supporting three projects developing vessels operating on hydrogen. Ponant enables environmental friendly cruising with a very interesting mix of technologies. Samskip continues their venture into hydrogen vessels after already ordering the Sea Shuttles. While the original Energy Observer get is much larger container-carrying sister.
In November 2023, the European Commission announced the recipients of the EU Innovation Fund 2023, dedicating substantial grants to pioneering projects aimed at decarbonizing the maritime industry. Among the notable beneficiaries are:
Ponant’s SWAP2ZERO Project
- Grant Amount: Not publicly disclosed.
- Project Overview: Ponant, a French luxury cruise operator, is developing the world’s first transoceanic vessel targeting carbon neutrality.
- Key Features:
- Wind Propulsion: A sail power system providing up to 50% of the vessel’s propulsion energy.
- Solar Energy: Approximately 1,000 square meters of eco-friendly photovoltaic panels.
- Fuel Cells: Integration of both low-temperature and high-temperature fuel cells for propulsion and hotel load needs.
- Carbon Capture: Onboard technology to capture and reuse CO₂ emissions.
- Operational Target: Aiming for zero CO₂ emissions during operation with one month of autonomy.
- Planned Launch: The vessel is expected to be operational by 2030.
Samskip’s HydroShuttles
- Grant Amount: Funding details not publicly disclosed.
- Project Overview: Samskip, a leading logistics company, is developing hydrogen-powered short-sea vessels designed for efficient, clean coastal transport.
- Key Features:
- Hydrogen Fuel Cells: Utilization of advanced fuel cell technology for propulsion.
- Scalable Hydrogen Storage: Innovative storage solutions to support extended operations.
- Impact: Aiming to reduce emissions in regional trade routes, showcasing the viability of hydrogen for short-sea shipping applications.
Energy Observer 2 (EO2)
- Grant Amount: €40 million from the EU Innovation Fund.
- Project Overview: Building upon the success of the original Energy Observer, EO2 is a 160-meter liquid hydrogen-powered container ship.
- Key Features:
- Fuel Cell Capacity: Equipped with 4.8 MW of fuel cells developed by EODev in partnership with Toyota.
- Cargo Capacity: Capable of carrying up to 1,100 TEU containers.
- Range: Designed for a 1,600 nautical mile route over 14 days.
- Operational Target: Scheduled for commercial operation by 2029 on Europe’s Atlantic and Channel coasts.
- Environmental Impact: Projected to reduce CO₂ emissions by 112,250 tonnes over ten years, equivalent to the annual absorption of 190,000 mature trees.
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