Hydrocell develops first hydrogen-powered boat
Image courtesy of Hydrocell.
Italian firm Hydrocell is in the advanced stages of developing the first Italian vessel equipped with a certified hydrogen propulsion system.
The Bolzano-based firm says the new project, being carried out in Venice, involves converting the fishing boat Nobody’s Perfect from diesel to hydrogen propulsion. Key components have been selected for the project and are currently being tested. At the same time, the Hydrocell team is focusing on developing the “HYMAR control” unit, which will serve as the central component of the propulsion system.
The project will be presented at two industry fairs in Italy: the Hydrogen Expo in Piacenza, from 11 to 13 September 2024, and the Salone Nautico di Puglia in Brindisi, from 10 to 14 October 2024.
Nobody’s Perfect is a 17-metre fishing vessel built in 1978 in Bordeaux, which will be fitted with the first hydrogen engine managed by Hydrocell’s control unit. The project, funded by the founding partners, aims to prepare the modified fishing boat to sail from Venice at the 2025 Venice Boat Show.
Hydrocell says it is committed to advancing hydrogen-based propulsion with a focus on clean shipping, silent running, and eco-friendly technology.
Hydrocell CEO, Karl Manfredi, says: “We are well on track with our project plan, which foresees the conversion of the propulsion system from diesel to hydrogen during the winter months, followed by functional tests on land and then in the waters of the Venice Lagoon.
“Our goal is to be ready to showcase the hydrogen-powered boat next May at the Salone Nautico Venezia.”
Hydrocell was founded by three entrepreneurs. The CEO, Karl Manfredi, is the former CEO of Brennercom and has expertise in management, telecommunications, IT, and cloud computing. The president, Federico Giudiceandrea, is an electronic engineer and the founder of TTControl. He is also co-owner of Microtec and Classic Boats Venice and an expert in industrial electronics. The CTO, Walter Huber, is a chemical engineer, founder of the IIT Hydrogen Center in Bolzano, and a recognised expert in hydrogen technology.
In 2023, Hydrocell was awarded the “Innovation in Application” award for maritime transport at the Italian Hydrogen Technology Awards (IHTA). In March, the company also placed third in the Water Mobility category at the IoMOBILITY Awards.
Well done to the Italians. Note that the Team NZ America’s Cup has had a hydrogen powered foiling power boat on the water for at least 6 months now. It’s currently being used at Barcelona in the Louis Vuitton pre AC event. it’s fast….