Genevos chosen as fuel cell solution for first hydrogen passenger vessel in Venice

Selected by hydrogen powertrain specialist Hydrocell, the vessel ‘Nobody’s Perfect’ will be retrofitted from diesel power generation to a hydrogen-electric clean energy system;

The 17m fishing trawler built in 1978 in Bordeaux, France, is the last type of wooden fishing boats to be used on the Atlantic Coast, extending the average lifespan of a wooden vessel well beyond 25 years;

Genevos will provide the fuel cell power system and safety engineering support for this next generation hydrogen passenger vessel, destined for operation in the Venice lagoon from Q2 2025.

10.09.2024

Venice, globally recognized as one of the most beautiful cities in the world is notably vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, firstly due to rising sea levels, but also due to the impact of transport vessels. A city registering over 2000 motorboats has been impacted by high pollution levels endangering biodiversity.

Vessel ‘Nobody’s Perfect’, a hydrogen-electric retrofit, credit: Hydrocell

This classic boat will be retrofitted with a clean hydrogen-electric energy system. The vessel will be converted to operate under silent motoring with zero emissions, leaving only water in its wake, protecting marine life and providing greater comfort for travelers. The positive impacts of improved air quality, reducing CO2 emissions will support the city’s carbon footprint and avoid health issues related to respiratory diseases caused by the burning of fossil fuels.

Genevos will supply and commission a 40kW marine certified hydrogen fuel cell power system (Hydrogen Power Module, ‘HPM’), fully-integrated with balance of plant. A hazard and operability study (HAZOP) will also be performed by Genevos to identify and manage hazards in the safety design.

This game-changing project was celebrated between Hydrocell and Genevos on Friday 6th September 2024 during the SMM 2024 in Hamburg, Germany, the world’s leading trade fair and conference event for the maritime industry.

From left: Karl Manfredi, CEO at Hydrocell, Philippe Davignon, Sales Director at Genevos

Karl Manfredi, CEO at Hydrocell commented:

“Our boat “Nobody’s Perfect” will be the first retrofitted passenger vessel hosting a fully-integrated and certified marine hydrogen powertrain. Since we only aim for the best partners, Genevos was the best option for us.”

Philippe Davignon, Sales Director at Genevos commented:

“We are delighted to drive forward clean mobility in this spectacular city where all transport is on-water, and importantly to fulfil this with a retrofit, lengthening the life of a historic vessel soon approaching its 50^th anniversary.

“Transforming the vessel to hydrogen-electric with our drop-in HPM technology enables a quick and effective solution in this critical environmental transition. We are excited to work with Hydrocell on delivering this benchmark project and look forward to seeing this vessel sailing silently and emission-free through the canals of Venice from late spring next year.”