The first green hydrogen boat will be presented at COP30 in Belém. Understand the technology.

By Mayra Castro from Jornal O Globo - Economy and Business

The world's first green hydrogen-powered boat will be presented this year during COP-30, in November, in Belém.

The vessel, developed in partnership with JAQ Maritime Support, a unit of the Nautica Group, and the Itaipu Technology Park, aims to enable sustainable maritime transport without carbon emissions. The prototype was presented yesterday at the Rio Boat Show, at the Marina da Glória.

— We want to show the world that it is feasible to navigate without emitting carbon — said Ernani Paciornik, chairman of JAQ and president of the Nautica Group, which leads the project.

Paciornik explains that the project is divided into three phases. In the first, the Explorer H1 will be launched, a vessel that will be stationary at the COP-30 stand functioning entirely with green hydrogen to power the internal areas.

Second phase

Prototype of the first green hydrogen-powered vessel, a form of sustainable fuel, is presented during the Rio Boat Show at Marina da Glória in Rio — Photo: Guito Moreto / Agência O Globo

In the second stage of the project, this same boat will be powered by hybrid engines, which operate with 20% hydrogen in addition to diesel. This will enable the boat to reduce CO2 emissions by 80%.

However, the Explorer H1 will still not be able to produce its own fuel, so it will need to be refueled at stations. In the last phase, which is expected to take place next year, the Explorer H2 will be launched, which aims to be able to extract seawater, desalinate it, and generate the hydrogen needed to power the boat with no carbon emissions.

— This project is not just about technological innovation, but also about creating a future for nautical development that is cleaner and more sustainable for maritime transport. The intention is to show the planet that this type of solution exists and that we are evolving — said Paciornik.

The president of the Nautica group asserts that large-scale production of the boat will be feasible. Although the price may be higher compared to equivalent vessels powered by bunker (marine fuel oil). He believes that green hydrogen is a bet to reduce pollutant gas emissions in maritime navigation:

— Nowadays we have dozens of boats going daily to oil platforms, carrying supplies, people, and fuel, consuming and polluting tremendously to get the oil and bring it back. Since they are extracting oil, why not do it in a cleaner way, reducing emissions?

Data Collection

The initiative also has the support of the Chinese company GWM, which will provide technology for the development of green hydrogen, with investments amounting to R$ 150 million.

The Explorer H1 vessel will be 36 meters long and will be equipped with a waterjet system for navigation in shallow waters. The Explorer H2 will be 50 meters long and will be dedicated to supporting diving operations and collecting hydrographic and oceanographic data.