The Energy Observer 2, presented at the U.N.-backed One Ocean Summit in the western French city of Brest, is a new prototype that follows a smaller sister ship launched in 2017, the Energy Observer, a catamaran covered in solar panels that was the world’s first boat to be powered solely by renewable energy and capable to produce its own hydrogen using saltwater.
The plan is to have the first zero-emissions cargo ship to take to the seas by 2025.
While its smaller sister was an exploration boat, the Energy Observer 2 accommodates for heavy loads and can carry up to 240 freight containers around continents.
Energy Observer founder Victorien Erussard, who says sea freight is responsible for 3% of the world’s CO2 emissions, said this boat can potentially decarbonise a third of the world’s existing fleet.
The plan is for the cargo ship to be powered by liquified hydrogen produced on land with carbon-neutral energy, Erussard hopes, such as nuclear or other renewable energy sources.
The ship also has four sets of sails that look like vertical wings, which use wind propulsion to reduce fuel consumption by up to 40%. The vessel can carry up to 70 tons of liquid hydrogen for up to 4,000 nautical miles.
It’s a slow go, but it seems our industry is starting to look towards the future. Responsible organizations are at the helm, and will not only take the best care of your goods, but will do it in a way which will benefit the world for many decades to come.
(ref. sharja 24 – 2/2022)
