Genevos joins H2-SEAS consortium in hydrogen electric fishing vessel project

Genevos, a French specialist in hydrogen and fuel cell power systems integration for the maritime sector, has joined the H2-SEAS consortium that aims to develop and build a hydrogen-electric fishing vessel prototype.

The consortium includes the project leader Riga Technical University, fellow Latvian shipyard A2Z Gannet SIA, the Stockholm Environment Institute Tallinn Centre of Estonia, and the Latvian Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences.

As part of the consortium, Genevos is to design and deliver the complete energy system engineering, including two HPM-40 kW second-generation marine certified hydrogen fuel cell power systems, gas storage, integration design and installation.

The project will be implemented by the design, construction, and operational demonstration of a hydrogen-electric 12-meter fishing vessel propelled by a 100 kW e-engine, to test and validate its resilience in the harsh marine environment.

Deployed in three countries from 2026, the prototype will demonstrate increased energy efficiency and an environmentally friendly solution for the marine environment: zero emissions and low sound pollution.

Funded under the Horizon Europe Framework Programme (HORIZON) to control climate change and achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, the project H2-SEAS is in response to a call for the implementation of the Mission ‘restore our ocean and waters by 2030′.

The HORIZON Mission is designed to deliver on the European Union’s 2030 quantified and measurable targets for protecting and restoring ecosystems and biodiversity, for zero pollution, and for decarbonization and net greenhouse gas emissions reduction towards climate neutrality, within the EU’s ocean, seas, and waters.

Project results are expected to accelerate the transition to fleets of small-scale fisheries (<12m) equipped with greener and energy-efficient technologies to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, including acoustic noise reduction.

As explained, the outcomes will contribute to all of the enhanced implementation objectives from the European Green Deal and the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, in addition to the improved understanding of technical, social, legal, regulatory and policy barriers to small-scale fisheries decarbonization. This improved monitoring and understanding on the impact of greener and more efficient small-scale fishing fleets on the marine environment and marine biodiversity will provide a systemic approach for the restoration, protection and preservation of oceans, seas, and waters.

“Decarbonising the maritime sector is the key focus for Genevos, we are delighted to be part of this important consortium continuing to make available disruptive zero emission hydrogen fuel cell power solutions to safeguard our planet. We are proud to support this worthy and mandatory EU HORIZON Mission to restore our ocean and waters by 2030,” Rebecca Sharp, CEO and cofounder of Genevos, commented.

Earlier this year, Genevos signed a memorandum of understanding with ACUA Ocean for a commercial collaboration to develop next-generation hydrogen-powered USVs (H-USV).

The strategic collaboration will focus on the development of a fully integrated hydrogen marine fuel cell into a USV.

In January 2024, the company also raised €2.5 million in seed funding from Impact Ocean Capital, a fund managed by GO Capital, and non-dilutive financing, to accelerate the commercialization of its innovations. This initial seed round will support product commercialization in key maritime markets such as workboats and service vessels, unmanned surface vessels, and ferries, Genevos said.