Funds propel electro-hydrogen catamaran project

The Prometeo is equipped with an optimized electric propulsion system that operates using high-efficiency electric motors and optimized propellers. (Photo: Green Navy)

The Brittany Region of France has granted a subsidy of €1.5 million to Green Navy for its hydrogen-powered passenger shuttle project, named Prometeo, an initiative that the company said aligns with the regional roadmap for renewable hydrogen deployment, which was adopted in 2020.

Green Navy is a green maritime transport designer based in Finistère, France, and a subsidiary of the Vallair Group. Experienced in naval architecture and propulsion chain design, the company said it acts as a design office, project manager and prime contractor, developing the concept and selecting the best components and subcontractors to ensure the vessel’s reliability and performance.

The Prometeo project is a zero-emission twin-hull catamaran for coastal passenger transport. Its electro-hydrogen propulsion system was developed in collaboration with SECO Marine, the marine division of the Fetis Group.

Currently in its initial production phase at Green Navy’s facility in La Forêt-Fouesnant, Brittany, the Prometeo catamaran is equipped with an optimized electric propulsion system that operates using high-efficiency electric motors and propellers. The motors draw energy from buffer storage batteries. Hydrogen stored in tanks onboard serves as a complementary energy source. By combining hydrogen with oxygen from the air within two fuel cells, electricity is produced, which in turn recharges the batteries.

“This innovative setup enables Green Navy to deploy a maritime transport solution that produces no CO2 emissions during navigation, operates without noise, odor or vibration, and offers longer range and reduced docking times,” Green Navy CEO Charles Cardi stated.

The company will test the vessel in real-world conditions, Cardi stated, “managing every phase of the project in collaboration with our partners (design, engineering, production and testing) through to certification.”

“This approach will generate precise and consolidated feedback that will benefit many other hydrogen-fuel project developers in Brittany’s emerging sector,” he added.

The Prometeo vessel will be offered as a bare-boat charter solution and, in the medium term, could be sold to shipowners or public authorities responsible for inter-island, urban bay crossings or leisure sea trips, Green Navy noted.

As part of this endeavor, Green Navy will participate in the Hyvolution trade show at the Brittany Region stand on January 28–30, 2025, at Porte de Versailles, Paris, where operators will be able to learn more about the project.

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