The world’s first hydrogen-powered boat, Energy Observer has docked in Cape Town.

The vessel’s stopover in the Mother City marks the 80th country it has seen, since its launch in Paris, France in April 2017. A public exhibition – known as the Energy Observer Village – has also been set-up at the V&A waterfront to promote the watercraft and renewable energy initiatives. Captain, Jean Baptiste Sanchez is one of the ship’s two 5-member crews.

The boat is manned by 2 crews consisting of 5 members each. They alternate every 6-8 weeks. pic.twitter.com/GiTsp181jR

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“What we’re trying to do is to find a solution, a sustainable solution for tomorrow because we only have one planet,” says Sanchez.

The water craft has already travelled 57, 000 nautical miles, which totals two trips around the globe.

According to Sanchez, the vessel is valued at €6 million (R119,8 million). It relies on hydrogen, wind and solar, as energy sources.

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The vessel will depart from Cape Town on the 20th of this month.

A BONUS FOR CAPE TOWN

The City of Cape Town’s director of energy, Kadri Nassiep has also welcomed the boat to the capital city’s shores:

“Cape Town is a harbour city, and very important in the maritime industry. It would benefit greatly from the exposure to cutting-edge technology, for example, the utilisation of solar cells coupled with hydrogen usage is really world-class,” says Nassiep.

FRANCE SHOWS SUPPORT TO SA & ENERGY OBSERVER

French ambassador, David Martinon added that France will continue to support the Energy Observer. The boat, which serves as the first French ambassador for the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, the Odyssey also aims to explore all the solutions for the ecological transition and to raise awareness of this necessary transition among all public, from decision-makers to industry professionals, through a series of inspiring and educational content (documentary films, web-series, scientific articles, traveling exhibition).

“What the vessel shows is that it works. France will always be committed to support this kind of green transition. The French government has committed to up to €1 Billion, to accompany South Africa in its transition,” adds Martinon.