Energy Observer is taking a new step by launching the design of the most representative ship of the maritime transport industry: a multipurpose cargo ship fueled by liquid hydrogen.

Maritime transport accounts for 3% of CO2 emissions annually on a global scale. The ambition of Energy Observer and its partners is to present prototype solutions leaning towards zero-emission for the transport of goods. The technologies are now mature, with liquid hydrogen storage well mastered, the deployment of liquefiers around the world, and the latest generations of mass-produced fuel cells.

The main features of Energy Observer 2 include:

• Length: 120 m
• Width: 22 m
• Draft: 5,5 m
• The surface of the wings: 1450 m²
• Deadweight: 5,000 t
• Containers: 240 TEU (Twenty feet equivalent)
• Ro-ro bridge: 480 linear m (trucks, vehicles, and containers)
• Tween deck height: 6.5 m
• Access ramp: 15 m wide
• Commercial speed: 12 knots
• Electric propulsion: 4 MW
• Fuel cell power (RexH2 EODev): 2.5 MW
• Liquid hydrogen tanks (LH2): 70 t (1000 m3)
• Range: up to 4,000 nautical miles

Energy Observer is now tackling the latest technological challenges, such as the integration of large tanks or the management of cryogenic temperatures, along with several of its technological  technological partners, including Air Liquide, who will provide its experience in the production, storage, distribution, and safety of liquid hydrogen to the project.

In addition, Energy Observer and CMA CGM Group are jointly analyzing the commercial and operational parameters of this new generation of cargo-ship. 

LMG Marin is the design office in charge of this project and Ayro will equip the ship with its Oceanwings.

Bureau Veritas is also partnering with Energy Observer on the project, along with the French Maritime Cluster and the T2EM Institute, whose objective is to steer and implement the national structuring program "Zero Emission Ship & Port" to achieve the goals of decarbonization, emissions reduction and respect for the biodiversity of the sector. Energy Observer 2 is the Institute's "flagship," the first full-scale demonstrator to power the entire industry.