Revolutionizing Maritime Shipping: World's Largest Hydrogen Cargo Ship to Set Sail by 2029
Key Ideas
- The Energy Observer 2 (EO2) is a groundbreaking liquid hydrogen-powered cargo ship supported by a €40 million grant from the EU's Innovation Fund.
- With 1,100 container capacity, the EO2 will significantly reduce carbon emissions, cutting over 112,000 tons of CO2 in its first decade of operation.
- Featuring 12 hydrogen fuel cell modules, each generating 400 kW, the ship will travel 1,600 nautical miles along Europe's Atlantic and Channel coasts, showcasing sustainable maritime transport.
- This ambitious €100 million project, a collaborative effort by key players like Accor, Air Liquide, CMA CGM, LMG Marin, and Dassault Systems, aims to pioneer hydrogen-powered shipping for a cleaner future.
Energy Observer is set to revolutionize maritime transport with the Energy Observer 2 (EO2), the world's largest liquid hydrogen-powered cargo ship expected to sail by 2029. The project, backed by a €40 million grant from the EU's Innovation Fund, aims to showcase the commercial potential of hydrogen in shipping. The 160-meter vessel will be capable of carrying 1,100 containers while significantly reducing carbon emissions, with an estimated CO2 reduction of over 112,000 tons in its first ten years of operation. Powered by hydrogen fuel cells, the ship will have a range of 1,600 nautical miles, traveling along Europe's Atlantic and Channel coasts at speeds between 12.5 to 16 knots. The collaboration with key industry players like Toyota and EODev has led to the development of 12 hydrogen fuel cell modules generating 400 kW each. If successful, the EO2 project will pave the way for a cleaner, sustainable maritime future, demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of hydrogen-powered shipping.