ALBA: Corsica Welcomes Its First Electro-Hydrogen Training Ship
Key Ideas
- ALBA, a hydrogen-powered training ship, received its first hydrogen refuelling at the Fos-sur-Mer site in Marseille, marking a milestone in the project started in 2020.
- The 20-meter long vessel, costing €4 million, was fully financed by the 'France Relance' plan, showcasing a commitment to sustainability and economic revitalization.
- The ship will join the fleet of Lycée Maritime de Bastia, providing students with practical training in various maritime activities while promoting hydrogen as a clean energy source.
- Corsica Sole will supply the ship with hydrogen, demonstrating a holistic approach involving production, storage, and distribution linked to renewable energy sources like photovoltaic power.
ALBA, an electro-hydrogen training ship designated for the Lycée Maritime de Bastia in Corsica, achieved its first hydrogen refuelling at 350 bars at the Fos-sur-Mer site of the Grand Port Maritime de Marseille. The vessel, with a length of 20 meters and a width of 5.6 meters, was launched on June 26, 2024, after a project initiation in 2020. The total construction cost of ALBA amounted to €4 million, entirely covered by the 'France Relance' plan to boost the French economy post the Covid-19 pandemic. The upcoming trials in September will lead the hydrogen-powered ship to Bastia, where it will serve as a training platform for students in various maritime skills. Corsica Sole is preparing to supply hydrogen to the vessel through a dedicated production and storage facility connected to a photovoltaic power station. This initiative not only promotes the use of hydrogen as a clean energy source but also emphasizes the integration of renewable energy solutions in maritime operations.