Five years ago, Toyota received an intriguing call from Energy Observer, an experimental ocean-going catamaran on a mission to circumnavigate the globe using only renewable energy. As the first hydrogen-powered, zero-emission vessel fully self-sufficient in energy,
Energy Observer sought Toyota’s expertise in upgrading its existing hydrogen fuel cell technology. The project resonated with Toyota, which has long been committed to carbon-neutral mobility solutions, including hydrogen-powered fuel cells.
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Toyota, known for introducing the world to the Mirai, the first mass-produced hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle in 2014, saw this as an opportunity to expand the application of their technology beyond automobiles.
The collaboration with Energy Observer would demonstrate the scalability and robustness of Toyota’s fuel cell stacks, especially in the harsh conditions of open-ocean travel.
However, adapting the technology for the cramped, lightweight design of the Energy Observer presented challenges. The fuel cell system had to be reconfigured into a compact unit that could fit within the vessel’s tight quarters, and the installation required cutting into the hull.
Despite these hurdles, the system was successfully integrated, drawing on renewable energy sources onboard to generate hydrogen and power the vessel.
After installation, Energy Observer continued its global mission, completing over 68,000 nautical miles in seven years. The voyage highlighted the efficiency of hydrogen over batteries in weight-sensitive maritime applications, demonstrating that hydrogen storage offers significantly more power per kilogram.
This experience reinforced the potential of fuel cell technology in reducing carbon emissions, a goal shared by both Toyota and Energy Observer.
Looking ahead, the team behind Energy Observer plans to launch Energy Observer 2, the world’s first liquid hydrogen-powered cargo ship, by 2029. Toyota remains engaged in exploring further maritime applications of hydrogen, emphasizing that the company’s commitment to hydrogen technology extends well beyond the automotive industry.
“Toyota is about much more than cars now,” said Luc Vercauteren, a powertrain project leader at Toyota Motor Europe. “Hydrogen fits very well into our mobility mission, allowing us to diversify into many different low-carbon applications.”
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