Hydrogen: The renewable energy of tomorrow's shipping industry

The CMA CGM Group, a world leader in shipping and logistics and a pioneer in the field of energy transition, is joining forces with Energy Observer, the first hydrogen-powered vessel to embark on a round-the-world voyage.  

A common ambition: zero-emission shipping

Our partnership deals with the development of cleaner and more sustainable energies to eliminate CO2 emissions, greenhouse gases and air pollutants. It aims to experiment, test and develop energy solutions based on hydrogen, solar, tidal and wind power. 

Energy Observer - Hydrogen partnership

Energy Observer : An innovative vessel

This electric powered ship is fuelled by a mix of renewable energies. It is also the first ship in the world capable of producing its hydrogen from seawater, thanks to renewable energies.  

During stopovers, Energy Observer recharges its batteries thanks to its solar panels. Once the batteries are full, the solar energy is used to produce hydrogen by electrolysis of seawater.  

When the boat sails, the crew directly uses renewable solar, wind and tidal energy.  

When conditions deteriorate (lack of wind, lack of light), the stored hydrogen powers a fuel cell that produces the electricity needed by the ship. 

Why is CMA CGM working on hydrogen?

Hydrogen is the most abundant chemical element in the universe. On Earth, the most abundant source of hydrogen is water. Its availability is therefore almost infinite.

It is a clean energy: during the electrolysis process that produces hydrogen, the only emissions are oxygen and steam water. It emits neither greenhouse gases nor pollutants when it comes from renewable sources.

Although its density is very low – it therefore has to be compressed or liquefied - hydrogen represents an exceptional energy density! 1kg of hydrogen releases:

-  4.1x more energy than 1kg of coal

-  2.8x more energy than 1 l of gasoline 

A shared challenge: to deploy hydrogen on a large scale in the shipping industry

CMA CGM will 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 industry in the years to come.CMA CGM and Energy Observer R&D experts will pool their expertise and knowledge to develop technological solutions capable of limiting the environmental impact of shipping.  

The mobilization of CMA CGM will make possible the industrialization of new concrete energy solutions tested on board this floating smart grid.

CMA CGM will also contribute its shipping and logistics expertise to Energy Observer. The Energy Observer village will be made from containers converted and transported by CMA CGM with the large-scale operational support from the whole CMA CGM network around the world. It will travel the globe, presenting the latest technological innovations to the largest possible number of people and raising awareness about ecological transition issues among all audiences. 

Energy Observer with CMA CGM's support : A Unique Odyssey

Thanks to CMA CGM’s support, Energy Observer will sail for a trip throughout the world between 2020 and 2023.

Energy Observer has received the High Patronage of Mr. Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic. French ambassador for the UN’s sustainable development goals, supported by the Ministry for Ecological and Inclusive Transition, UNESCO, the European Union, Irena, Ademe, and all the institutions concerned with ecology, Energy Observer is the inspiring and positive voice of the vital ecological transition.

 

Next to its innovation program, Energy Observer is developing a mission of general interest to help raise awareness on the challenges of the ecological transition among all audiences, through its audio-visual productions, exhibitions, and meetings with scientists. Like as modern-day Calypso, the boat and her crew relate their journey around the world, in an original documentary series called « The Odyssey for the future® ».  

 

Victorien Erussard, Energy Observer’s Founder and Captain, added: “Leader in the shipping energy transition, CMA CGM is a key partner in our quest for clean transport. 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. We are all driven by the same passion for technology and the desire to develop alternative energy solutions. The sea is something we can all share, and it is time to share our skills in order to protect the ocean, our favourite environment. We are delighted to be joining the 500-plus vessels in the CMA CGM fleet.” 

“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.” Tanya Saadé Zeenny, Executive Officer of the CMA CGM Group