New Zealand firms partner on hydrogen-powered RIB boat

Fabrum, a New Zealand company specializing in zero-emission transition technologies, has collaborated on the design and build of H2Ocean, a zero-emission hydrogen-powered boat, with King Watercraft, a developer of New Zealand-made rigid inflatable boats (RIB).

Christopher Boyle, executive chair, Fabrum (left) with Will King, founder, King Watercraft (right), and H2Ocean. (Photo: Fabrum)

H2Ocean can be equipped to transport up to 12 people and can be adapted for tourism, commercial and leisure activities. It features an aluminum hull, hypalon pontoons and twin stern drives. It has a displacement of 3,500 kg and a range of 150 nautical miles.

The vessel carries 18 kg of 350-bar hydrogen gas, supplied to a fuel cell, which in turn maintains charging to a battery bank that is used to power the electric stern legs. 

According to Christopher Boyle, executive chair, Fabrum has brought its hydrogen propulsion expertise to a project that showcases how hydrogen can support a new future pathway for the marine industry to decarbonize.

“Hydrogen’s adaptability to different sectors and capability to meet the diverse energy needs of industries with varying power and operational requirements underscores the potential for hydrogen to be a cornerstone of the future energy landscape,” he said, reducing the industry’s reliance on fossil fuels and enabling energy security and sustainability.

“For over 10 years, we have focused on producing bespoke RIBS designed specifically for the needs of our customers in New Zealand and beyond,” said Will King, founder and managing director of King Watercraft. “With a focus on being at the forefront of sustainable propulsion, the shared values of King Watercraft and Fabrum brought this idea to life, and together this project offers a lighter footprint for the marine industry here and around the world.”

The H2Ocean is scheduled to begin sea trials in January 2025.