A group of 23 students from Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands is attempting to cover 248.5 miles across the North Sea from their school to the United Kingdom in a hydrogen-powered foiling boat.
The Hydro Motion Team’s “mission is to propel the maritime and energy industries towards a sustainable future.”
Among the partners supporting the Hydro Motion Team is Dometic, which is providing an electronic steering system, the EA 3300, that eliminates hydraulic fluids, pumps, cylinders and hoses. The system is 55% lighter and saves 85% of electrical power compared with a hydraulic system. Dometic is also supplying a SeaStar Sport Plus tilt helm.
“We are delighted to play a role in helping to drive the marine industry towards a more sustainable future,” Dometic marine segment president Eric Fetchko said in a statement. “We pride ourselves in making innovative, durable and low-carbon products, which significantly reduce environmental impact across product life cycles. We have been very impressed by the ingenuity and forward-thinking mindset of the TU Delft Hydro Motion Team and can’t wait to watch them in their record-breaking attempt.”
The Hydro Motion project was founded in 2020, launching the world’s first foiling hydrogen-powered boat. The team won the Open Sea Class of the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge and became world champions in 2023.
This year’s design is a 26-foot monohull. At a cruising speed of 25 knots, the team expects to complete the passage in one day.
“We are determined to compel companies and governments around the world to amend their legislation, mandating the inclusion of hydrogen-powered vessels and the development of additional infrastructure crucial for the green energy transition,” said Mick Polack, driveline and steering engineer for the Hydro Motion Team.
Click here for more about the Hydro Motion Team.
