Français 
The maritime sector is committed to sustainable transport, and more and more ships are using alternative methods of propulsion and onboard power. Among the possible solutions, hydrogen appears to be relevant for various types of activity and classes of vessel, from pleasure boating to racing and passenger transport.
During the summer, the number of visitors to the sea peaks, as sailors take advantage of the good weather to get their boats out on the water. But beyond the bucolic image of this flood of vessels of all sizes, this influx means increased pollution.
Achieving carbon neutrality is a major challenge at a time when the maritime environment is highly complex and demanding, and deadlines are fast approaching.
In France, the MEET 2050 Institute, which is based in Nantes, was created on the initiative of the French Maritime Cluster and brings together all the players in the sector in a collaborative approach. This institute is providing particular support for the drive and concrete work underway.
Hydrogen, the star of ocean racing
Hydrogen-powered engines are particularly suitable for high-speed coastal and river vessels, or for generating the energy used on board sailing boats. As is so often the case, major sporting events provide an opportunity to stimulate innovation, and this year, the spotlight is on hydrogen.
For the next edition of the America’s Cup (22nd of August – 20th of October 2024), the only support boats permitted for the competitors will be hydrogen-powered hydrofoil catamarans. For the Orient Express Racing Team, the French team led by the sport tech company K-Challenge, this support boat has been designed thanks to a partnership between several French players, including Hopium, which designed the fuel cell. The team will also use an adapted green hydrogen refuelling solution.
British yachtsman Phil Sharp has co-founded Genevos, a company based in La Rochelle that has developed a zero-emission racing boat. Known as OceansLab and built by Black Pepper Yachts in Nantes, this Imoca boat is equipped with a fuel cell and produces green hydrogen to meet the energy needs on board. The skipper aims to take part in the Ocean Race Europe 2025.
Although Phil Sharp ultimately failed to qualify for the next Vendée Globe, the event, which has announced that its 2028 edition will be a fossil-free race, will welcome another Imoca equipped with a renewable energy mix. Sailor Arnaud Boissière has entered a partnership with the Syndicat d’énergie et d’équipement de la Vendée (Sydev) to carry out an unprecedented experiment. He will set sail on a boat equipped with an electrical system that combines several renewable energy sources, including green hydrogen, to provide up to 200 hours of electrical autonomy.
Atlantic France at the forefront of hydrogen-powered boats
To develop the use of green hydrogen in boats and other maritime applications, the Atlantic France region boasts many players and skills:
- Europe Technologies is developing hydrogen-powered river barges. The company, based near Nantes, has formed a partnership with Canalous Plaisance and built a river barge for a Belgian customer. The group is also leading a consortium to develop Hylias, the first hydrogen-electric vessel of this power in France. It also offers a containerised storage and distribution solution with the Mhy500.
- Seco Marine (a subsidiary of the Fétis group, also based in Nantes) has launched a collaboration with Alva Yachts to equip 90-foot catamarans and with Green Navy to equip the Prometeo catamaran, due to be launched in spring 2025.
- The Neopolia cluster of regional companies has launched the Vedzeama project to design a zero-emission passenger launch. The project won the first tender of the Maritime Intervention Fund financed by the French Ministry of the Sea. The cluster has also worked on professional high-speed vessels for offshore parks.
- The Loire-Atlantique Département Council has announced the construction of a new ferry across the Loire, powered by a hybrid electric/green hydrogen engine and able to carry up to 60 vehicles. It is scheduled to enter service in 2026.
A focus on energy during the Vendée Globe
The next Vendée Globe will see the competitors set off from Les Sables d’Olonne on the 10th of November 2024. Ahead of the event, the Atlantic France regional council and the regional agency Solutions&co are organising an ‘Energy’ day on the 31st of October, devoted to solutions for decarbonising maritime and port activities in the Vendée Globe village. You will be able to meet a number of sailors, as well as hydrogen project developers and solution providers.
