M/Y ENERGY OBSERVER, the world’s first hydrogen-powered superyacht, has commenced a three-year global expedition to raise awareness of renewable energy resources in partnership with sponsors Toyota Motor Europe.
Starting life as a sailing catamaran in 1983, she was converted into a motor yacht and further demonstrates the potential of recycling. She was relaunched in Saint Malo, northern France, last year, where M/Y ENERGY OBSERVER could be spotted sailing along the French coastline. She will continue to cruise the Mediterranean and Northern Europe throughout 2018 into 2019 before heading to Tokyo in time for the 2020 Olympic Games.
Video of ENERGY OBSERVER:
Luxury yacht ENERGY OBSERVER uses sea water to produce carbon-free hydrogen, releasing oxygen back into the atmosphere in the process. Photovoltaic panels cover the exterior, using sunlight to enhance energy efficiency on board.
“This project once again demonstrates the many practical uses of hydrogen that can be developed as we transition towards a ‘hydrogen society’,” commented Toyota Motor Europe vice president Matt Harrison.
Throughout the three-year expedition the crew will be filming for a French documentary and a web series on social media.
Superyacht ENERGY OBSERVER is currently in the northernmost part of the Adriatic after completing a circuit around the Greek Islands.