Hydrogen-powered cruising cat
Fountaine Pajot launched the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruising catamaran in March in La Rochelle. The Samana 59 Smart Electric REXH2 offers luxurious cruising space together with zero emissions, thanks to the noiseless, fumeless, and odourless integrated systems.
EODEV is a key partner in its development. It used the learnings from the Ocean Observer project to create the REXH2, a 1m3 marinised generator which includes the latest Toyota fuel cells. Thought to be the most compact marine generator on the market, it can deliver 70kw of continuous power. The fuel cell is fed by 15kg of hydrogen stored at 350bar in two tanks, which supplies almost 250kwh of electricity to the onboard systems or electric motors. This perhaps also explains the choice of vessel, in that you need something large enough to house such tanks. Fountaine Pajot has found a way to integrate them below the bridgedeck, inboard between the hull structures.
Combining this hydrogen fuel cell with 42m2 of solar panel space (up to 6,145W) and a 63kwh lithium iron phosphate (LIFEPO) battery, results in a potent renewable energy mix. It provides 10 hours of electro-hydrogen autonomy under engine at an average speed of 5 knots, while topping up with hydrogen and recharging the batteries can be done in port if necessary.
This prototype Samana 59 follows on from the Aura 51 Smart Electric last year in Fountaine Pajot’s strategic programme to be carbon neutral by 2030 (in the production of boats and their use).
“The Samana 59 Smart Electric REXH2 is more than just a vision. It is now a prototype that shows the ability of our group in taking the lead in innovating and imagining the long-term transition we want to undertake,” says Mathieu Fountaine, deputy CEO at Fountaine Pajot.