Green Navy revealed details of its new vessel Prometeo at the ‘Monaco Sustainable & Smart Marina Rendezvous 2023’ conference (24-25 September 2023).

French company Green Navy describes Prometeo as Europe’s first electro-hydrogen propulsion catamaran for commercial passenger and cargo activities.

The Monaco Sustainable & Smart Marina Rendezvous conference showcased developments in the marine sector, reflecting the groundswell of interest in the successful deployment of electro-hydrogen power to meet strict emissions regulations, public awareness, and demand for cleaner transportation options.

Green Navy is collaborating with governments, research institutions and industry partners to showcase the advantages of hydrogen storage and fuel cell development across a range of marine applications, from regular island hopping to growing eco-tourism.

“This clean, green power source generates electricity via a fuel cell which combines hydrogen with oxygen from the air to create electricity and water,” says Charles Cardi, CEO of Green Navy (left). “The electricity charges the batteries to power the vessel’s electric engine, which turns the propellers to move it forward.”

He continues: “Electro-hydrogen propulsion is cleaner than diesel or other fossil fuels because it does not produce harmful emissions like CO2 or sulphur, which contribute to air pollution and climate change. It is quieter and more efficient, making it better for the environment and closer to the global goal of cleaner and more sustainable transportation on water.”

Green Navy claims to be the first company in Europe to implement this technology onboard a passenger catamaran. The vessel will also be supplied with green hydrogen to ensure a ‘complete carbon-free chain’. In addition, Green Navy has developed an innovative transmission system with an optimised gearbox that develops greater torque at reduced speed, thus improving efficiency and making it easier for the crew to operate.

“Our team of engineers has re-engineered the propulsion system and the vessel architecture to reduce mass and optimise energy efficiency,” says Cardi. “Green Navy offers adaptable, efficient and environmentally friendly solutions for operators to buy or lease. Prometeo is carbon-free, silent, vibration-free, odour-free, and easily manoeuvrable — which makes it a pleasure for crews and passengers alike.”

Production of Prometeo is already underway at the Merré shipyard in Nort-sur-Erdre, and transportation of the passenger catamaran’s twin hulls to the Merré shipyard in Brest is scheduled for Spring 2024. The launch ceremony for this globally important vessel will take place in Spring 2025.

“Our commitment to efficiency has seen us work closely with G-Sea Design on the ultimate precision of structural calculations,” says Cardi. “This has resulted in a lightweight catamaran with exceptional strength and rigidity — tested in all weather conditions and in passenger/cargo and combined configurations. We have a clean technology vessel that is carbon-free with low energy consumption, offers full marine capacity, is made in France and is available at short notice.

The maritime industry is increasingly looking for cleaner and more sustainable propulsion options, and there is a growing demand for eco-friendly transportation.

Cardi adds: “As a business, Green Navy is focusing on its mission to decarbonise maritime transport and freight, secure investment for growth, and we are working closely with the French Government and maritime clusters in France to establish a centre of excellence for this important new direction in energy transition.”

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