Did you know ?
There are now almost 500 dead zones, covering more than 245,000 km2 worldwide, the size of the UK.
To understand
environmental issues
1
For many years, the various forms of pollution of our ecosystem have continued to grow.
To obtain a significant improvement in line with the needs of nature and the planet, we must converge all sectors towards more sustainable practices. Managing a source of pollution will in no way solve our common problems such as global warming, melting ice, air quality, species extinction, etc.
It is together, with cohesion between the sectors of activity and the citizens that we will be able to move forward.
In terms of pollution related to CO2 emissions, this accelerates the melting of the ice, and increases the water level by + 3.5mm per year. Also, the discharge of sewage and heavy metals by boats deteriorates marine ecosystems. The fauna and flora disappear over the years.
For this, protected areas are created, and accessible only by boats equipped with ecological and autonomous engines for their waste water.
Let's talk about hydrogen and electricity
2
To make navigation more eco-responsible, there are also synthetic fuels, bio-fuels, and natural gases, two energies used. Air is also used compressed in internal combustion engines.
Hydrogen
Everyone talks about it, but what is it?
From its scientific name "dihydrogen" it is a molecule in the form of gas in its natural state, used either directly in a heat engine or to produce electricity (which will be the final fuel).
Hydrogen is said to be green when it requires no fossil resources to be produced.
For example, hydrogen produced by electrolysis of water with green electricity itself, is green.
It can be produced on land, at sea, and even on board a ship. The necessary device is called an electrolyser.
There are two forms of hydrogen: gas or liquid.
It can be compressed at different pressures between 200 and 1000 bars.
There is also a technique of storing gaseous hydrogen in a liquid to reduce its flammability but which is not liquid hydrogen, it is simply its packaging.
Electricity
This source of energy is much better known but makes sense if it is also green.
For this, there are certificates purchased by suppliers from manufacturers.
The electricity can be used directly with an electric motor and batteries or produced on an electro-hydrogen boat by a fuel cell (from hydrogen).
For these two energies, there are several levels of qualifications, the main ones being: green, blue or grey.
See hydrogen production by water electrolysis and the fuel cell
Did you know ?
The combustion of 1 kg of hydrogen releases almost 4 times more energy than that of 1 kg of gasoline and produces only water.
To know
What is important in the energy transition is not only to consider the pollution at the time of use but also the TCO of the product. Its complete production, use and recycling cycle must be considered when choosing a sustainable solution.
I would like to know how...
3
One of the main questions when considering which solution to adopt is: What is there?
For the propulsion part (yacht and tenders):
Diesel and electric hybridization (already existing)
Diesel and electro-hydrogen hybridization
Diesel and hydrogen hybridization
Hydrogen and electric hybridization
hydrogen engine
For the hotel load part:
Diesel and hydrogen hybridization
Diesel and electric hybridization
Hydrogen generator
For refueling stations:
Fixed or mobile hydrogen
Electric stationary in fast chargers
Electrical to low voltage port
So, how to decide?
It depends on the use, autonomy, top speed, cruise, desired energy consumption, and many other technical criteria.
And what is the point of reducing the use of diesel engines?
To reduce your carbon footprint, restrict the extraction of fossil fuels, preserve marine fauna and flora by polluting less water, improve air quality.
Propulsion but not only...
4
Unanimously, the most eco-responsible energy for sailing is the wind.
However, in several cases, it is not possible to have sails or to use them, as in port for example.
The propulsion of a boat, whether sailing or motorized, can be modified and/or replaced by a more durable one in order to pollute less.
But, on larger vessels such as yachts, there is a significant consumption of energy for life on board (lighting, living rooms, electronic devices, etc.).
And for this part too, it is possible to opt for more eco-responsible generators.
In addition, obtaining the energy necessary for navigation can be done other than by recharging. The capture of solar energy, the use of water electrolysis, the recovery of energy in motion...
Obviously, before any modification, bio-fuel is a first step towards decarbonization, and can be added to new technologies in the short and medium term.
Did you know ?
In 2020 in France, there are 300 mooring and light equipment areas (ZMEL) to reduce the number of moorings at anchor.
Did you know ?
“As of January 1, 2022, in marinas with a capacity of more than one hundred berths, at least 1% of berths benefiting from a one-year private provision are reserved for electric vessels”
In port and at sea
5
The transformation of the maritime industry is causing a chicken and egg problem.
Like the energy transition in the automobile, the boating and yachting market is facing the same challenge.
Few products are on the market at the moment, because there are no facilities to recharge them and vice versa.
So how do you recharge your sustainable boat?
In hydrogen, the currently available solution is to refuel from trucks keeping the refueling station charged and able to refuel in all the ports that can accommodate the ship. Refueling is done in a few minutes. The transfer time for 30 kilos is approximately 15 minutes compressed at 200 bars.
In electricity, the first current solution is to connect the boat to the quay on the existing network but which is at low voltage and requires several hours to refuel. The establishment of so-called fast charger stations allowing refueling in about an hour began several months ago.
Ultimately, what solutions for hydrogen?
Many companies are working to develop gaseous or liquefied hydrogen production and refueling stations delivering several tonnes per day and being permanent. This advancement will ensure a charging network in multiple ports.
At sea, what about?
Now floating and movable barges are able to produce hydrogen.
In addition, the refueling modules can be installed on barges for recharging at sea. This solution is envisaged for ports with limited reception capacity.
On the other hand, there is no solution for electricity to date.
We support a yacht owner for a technology or a ship, and a port for a charging station.
