Fountaine Pajot chooses EODev for its hydrogen powered yachts

As part of its strategic development plan, called Odyssea 2024, Fountaine Pajot is launching the first project integrating alternative energy solutions into its range of sailing catamarans and has chosen EODev’s hydrogen technology. Fountaine Pajot's ambition is to combine the power supply of its 59-foot sailing catamaran, SAMANA 59', with EODev's hydrogen power generator, REXH₂®. This system will then be integrated by Alternatives Energies, partner of EODev, ideally located in La Rochelle, just a stone's throw away from the Fountaine Pajot shipyard.

No matter the type of propulsion: wind or diesel, the energy needed for the hotel load on board the SAMANA 59 will be of electro-hydrogen origin, the objective being to be able to operate all on-board appliances, from lighting to the galley, and the air conditioning, without the need of a noisy and polluting diesel generator. It is thus the ideal solution when the boat is at anchor - allowing the passengers to enjoy the sea and swimming in total quietness.

In addition to a significant weight, and therefore energy consumption, saving, the advantage of the hydrogen-electric combination in comparison with a 100% electric system, is to allow the management of the energy needs depending on the use, thanks to the continuous power of the fuel cell, while being able to instantly use the batteries for occasional peak power requirements. The hydrogen powering this system is compressed and stored at 350 bar, the standard pressure used by hundreds of buses around the world.

Jérémie Lagarrigue, CEO, EODev commented : « We are delighted that a French shipyard has decided to take the plunge. Trusting our solutions is one thing, convincing that they are accessible and relevant for the yachting market is another, while many continue to rely on diesel generators 'because it is simple and cheaper'. It is thanks to collaborations such as the one with Fountaine Pajot that the acceleration of the energy transition in the maritime sector will be achieved more quickly. And it is urgent. Fountaine Pajot's response is up to the challenge, and the long-term vision offered by the shipyard is the perfect demonstration that the future of the sector is being shaped now. »

In this first configuration, the SAMANA 59' will have a REXH2® able to supply up to 70kW and a 44kWh LiFePO (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery approved for maritime use, designed by EVE Systems and Alternative Energies. The hydrogen system will consist of a battery, its cooling system, a distribution board, the hydrogen supply line, and a tank with a capacity of 7.5kg of hydrogen. If necessary, depending on the user profile, additional tanks may be optionally integrated into the boat in order to offer extended range. The overall management will be ensured by an automated Power Management System specifically developed by EODev, which calculates the remaining range according to the user profile, in the same way as in a car.

The absence of moving parts in the fuel cell will guarantee simplified and predictive maintenance, for a service life of at least 15,000 hours. Finally, the REXH₂® being a "plug and play" solution, there will be no need to be a hydrogen engineer to operate the boat. As in modern cars, the system will be fully automated and connected, with data from all components being collected and archived remotely.

The first SAMANA 59' equipped with EODev’s technology will be launched at the beginning of 2022. Fountaine Pajot will thus be able to test the entire system in real conditions on boats which are intended to sail over long distances, in order to improve their autonomy without reducing their environmental performance or the space available for life on board. The next step will be the integration of EODev systems in other units, with different sizes and user profiles.

Romain Motteau, CEO, Fountaine Pajot, welcomes the shift : « In the context of environmental transition, which is an integral part of our 2024 strategic plan, Fountaine Pajot is demonstrating here its positioning as an innovation platform. The choice of EODev’s technology is the illustration of our desire to bring together experts in solutions that benefit everyone, and to give substance to our ambition to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2050, whether for the production of boats or their use. We are proud and happy to be among the pioneers, and are eager to take further steps in the deployment of clean solutions. »