As the countdown to the 2024 Monaco Energy Boat Challenge begins, the Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) and SBM Offshore have teamed up to introduce an innovative pontoon designed for hydrogen refueling.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Monaco’s blue waters, this pontoon is equipped to handle hydrogen, the future of boating fuel. With the capacity to fill 30 cylinders, it’s primed to supply eight competing teams with clean, green energy during the 11th annual event, July 1-7.
The upcoming challenge will showcase the latest in eco-friendly marine technology. Teams participating in the event have the option to choose between nine or 13-liter hydrogen cylinders, allowing them to tailor their power needs according to their vessel specifications.
But the innovation doesn’t stop there. This state-of-the-art pontoon, weighing 1.3 tonnes, features a 215-square-foot surface area adorned with floating solar panels. These panels, linked to batteries, work around the clock to produce hydrogen, ensuring a constant and sustainable energy supply for the competition.
SBM Offshore, renowned for its expertise in offshore engineering, took the helm in installing this hydrogen pontoon this past January, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to sustainable boating solutions. The unveiling ceremony, attended by HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco and other dignitaries, underscored the importance of this initiative in advancing green technologies in the maritime sector.
Francesco Prazzo, general manager of SBM Offshore, emphasized the urgent need for safe, sustainable, and affordable energy solutions in today’s world. “As offshore pioneers, we are convinced the oceans hold the key to meet an urgent need for low-carbon solutions, with hydrogen being part of that response,” he said.
Meanwhile, across the Mediterranean in Italy, a similar wave of innovation is underway. NatPowerH and Zaha Hadid Architects have joined forces to develop hydrogen refueling stations tailored for recreational boating. With a whopping €100 million investment, this ambitious project aims to revolutionize Italy’s marinas and ports, paving the way for a network of 100 fuel stations by 2030.
With hydrogen-powered pontoon facilities and refueling stations on the rise, boaters can navigate toward a cleaner, greener future on the water.
