Zero-emmission laboratory vessel arrives in Kochi

Energy Observer, the first ‘Zero-emission' laboratory vessel powered by renewable energy and hydrogen has arrived in Kochi after a tour of Southeast Asia as part of its odyssey around the world. According to experts and scientists on board, it is the first vessel in the world capable of producing decarbonised hydrogen on board from sea water and using an energy mix, relying on renewable energies such as the sun, wind, and marine currents. The vessel is anchored at Bolgatty Palace and will be in Kochi, the only stopover in India, till November 23. It is also able to store its energy in the form of hydrogen produced from seawater — a technology that allows it to sail in total autonomy. “Around 63kg of hydrogen was produced by the vessel in the last 24 hours after its stopover at International Marina on Bolgatty island in Kochi,” said Beatrice Cordiano, a scientist on board the vessel. — ani