Energy Observer, a French company leading in green maritime solutions, has been awarded €40 million from the European Union’s Innovation Fund to develop the world’s largest liquid hydrogen-fuelled cargo ship.

The project, called the Energy Observer 2 (EO2), aims to transform shipping by introducing a low-emission sustainable vessel that will begin operations by 2029. Launched in 2022, the EO2 project is designed to be a 160-meter longship capable of carrying 1,100 containers (TEU). It will use advanced hydrogen fuel cells to power electric engines, resulting in much lower carbon emissions than conventional cargo ships.

The ship is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by over 112000 tons in its first decade of operations.

Energy Observer has a proven track record of innovation, starting in 2017 with a zero-emission lab vessel powered by solar, hydrogen and wind.

Building on that experience, the EO2 project aims to prove that liquid hydrogen can be a viable fuel for maritime transportation. The ship will have an electric propulsion system powered by 12 hydrogen fuel cell modules, each generating 400 kw.

The design allows for an average speed of 12.5 knots, with a maximum speed of 16 knots when required. With a range of 1,600 nautical miles, the ship will travel along Europe’s Atlantic and Channel coasts. Energy Observer’s managing director, Didier Boix, discussed the difficulty of turning such innovative technology into reality. He said the team is working on integrating advanced ship systems, establishing a port ecosystem for liquid hydrogen and building a digital twin to test and optimise performance. The EO2 project is estimated to cost over €100 million, including research and construction. A French hospitality company, Accor, made the initial investment.

Over the past two years, major players in the industry, including Air Liquide, Bureau Veritas, CMA CGM, Dassault Systems, LMG Marin, and Toyota, have collaborated to make the project a reality.

The ship’s fuel cells are being developed by EODev in collaboration with Toyota. The team has also conducted technical and economic research to ensure that the ship’s design is practical and efficient.

Energy Observer plans to showcase the ship’s potential for commercial viability on short routes. If successful, the project can encourage more leaders in the industry for the widespread use of hydrogen-powered vessels, transforming maritime transport into a cleaner, more sustainable industry.