The European Union has awarded €40 million in funding to the French company Energy Observer for a project aimed at building a liquid-hydrogen-powered cargo ship. The project, named Energy Observer 2 (EO2), was selected from 85 projects under the EU Innovation Fund's call for clean technology initiatives. EO2, a 160-metre container ship with a 1,100 TEU capacity, will be powered by a 4.8 MW fuel cell system developed in partnership with Toyota and EODev. The vessel is designed to have a range of 14 days and 1,600 nautical miles, showcasing the potential of liquid hydrogen in short-sea shipping. The goal of EO2 is to demonstrate the feasibility of liquid hydrogen as a maritime fuel and reduce CO₂ emissions by 112,250t over a decade. The project, backed by key partners like CMA CGM, Air Liquide, and Bureau Veritas, is expected to be completed by 2029 and operate commercially along Europe's Atlantic and Channel coasts. Energy Observer emphasized the importance of developing a robust port ecosystem for liquid hydrogen refuelling to support the project's objectives. The company, Energy Observer, initiated the project in 2022 with the aim of creating the world's lowest carbon-emitting cargo ship. The project received early support from partners like Accor Group and required an estimated initial investment of over €100 million for studies and construction. Energy Observer highlighted the necessity of developing liquid hydrogen bunkering infrastructure in collaboration with Chart Industries to make the operation of low-carbon ships accessible and competitive. The Brittany and Normandy regions are actively supporting the project by promoting the development of necessary infrastructure for liquid hydrogen as a maritime fuel. Didier Boix, the Managing Director of EO Concept, expressed the challenges and importance of integrating ship technologies, structuring a liquid hydrogen port ecosystem, and developing a digital twin for EO2's success.