H2Ocean: A Zero-Emission Hydrogen-Powered Boat Set to Transform the Marine Industry
Key Ideas
- Fabrum, in collaboration with King Watercraft, has designed H2Ocean, a zero-emission hydrogen-powered boat for various marine activities with a range of 150 nautical miles.
- The vessel uses hydrogen gas to power a fuel cell, charging a battery bank that drives the electric stern legs, showcasing a sustainable propulsion solution.
- Christopher Boyle of Fabrum highlights hydrogen's potential to decarbonize the marine industry, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and promote energy security and sustainability.
- The joint project between King Watercraft and Fabrum demonstrates a commitment to sustainable solutions and offers a promising future for environmentally-friendly marine transportation.
Fabrum, a company in New Zealand specializing in zero-emission transition technologies, has partnered with King Watercraft, a developer of New Zealand-made rigid inflatable boats, to create H2Ocean, a hydrogen-powered boat. H2Ocean is designed for tourism, commercial, and leisure activities and can accommodate up to 12 passengers. The boat features an aluminum hull, hypalon pontoons, and twin stern drives, with a displacement of 3,500 kg and a range of 150 nautical miles. It operates using 18 kg of 350-bar hydrogen gas that powers a fuel cell, which in turn charges a battery bank to drive the electric stern legs. Christopher Boyle, the executive chair of Fabrum, emphasizes the potential of hydrogen to revolutionize the marine industry by decarbonizing operations, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and enhancing energy security and sustainability. Will King, the founder of King Watercraft, expresses the shared commitment to sustainability and innovative propulsion solutions, aiming to minimize the marine industry's environmental impact. The collaborative effort between the two companies brings forth a project that signifies a shift towards eco-friendly marine transportation. The H2Ocean is slated to undergo sea trials in January 2025, marking a significant step towards a more sustainable future for the marine sector.