CMA CGM teams up with Energy Observer to develop hydrogen as a fuelCMA CGM teams up with Energy Observer to develop hydrogen as a fuel

As shipping looks to decarbonise hydrogen is seen as one of the potential candidates as future fuel with it producing no CO2 emissions.

The former racing yacht Energy Observer is the first hydrogen-powered vessel to embark on a round the world voyage. The vessel uses green hydrogen made from seawater using on-board renewable sources of electricity - solar, wind and hydropower.

Victorien Erussard, Energy Observer’s founder and captain, commented: “With CMA CGM’s huge experience in the shipping industry, our respective engineers and our technology partners, we have every chance of achieving our goals, which are ambitious but increasingly realistic.”

CMA CGM said it would contribute its industrial expertise to this floating lab, in order to promote the use of hydrogen as a zero-emission fuel source for the shipping.

Tanya Saadé Zeenny, executive officer of the CMA CGM Group, said: “CMA CGM is joining forces with Energy Observer to accelerate the development of tomorrow’s energy solutions, particularly hydrogen.  Our partnership will mobilize all of CMA CGM’s know-how.

“Our teams of engineers and R&D experts are already working and our network around the world will be strongly mobilized to ensure the logistical support of Energy Observer's worldwide ports of call.”

Related:A glimpse of shipping’s zero emission, hydrogen-powered future

What do you think will best alternative fuel option? - Let us know your opinion in our February poll