Sustainable hydrogen boat to be featured at COP30 in Belém

Maritime transport, one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases, is about to take a significant step towards sustainability. During COP30, which will be held in November in Belém, the first Brazilian vessel powered by sustainable hydrogen will be presented to the world, the result of a partnership between JAQ Apoio Marítimo, a unit of Grupo Náutica, and Parque Tecnológico Itaipu.

Three Phases for Sustainability in Maritime Transport

The project for the vessels, whose prototype was recently launched at the Rio Boat Show, is divided into three stages. In the first phase, the Explorer H1, measuring 36 meters in length and equipped with a hydrojet system for navigation in shallow waters, will be exhibited at COP30 as a model of clean technology. Although the Explorer H1 is not yet fully autonomous in fuel production, being recharged at specific stations, the expectation is that its internal operation will be completely powered by hydrogen, significantly reducing emissions.

In the second phase, which is expected to include hybrid engines that use 20% hydrogen combined with diesel oil, the vessel is expected to reduce its CO₂ emissions by 80%, a significant innovation for the sector. Finally, the goal is to reach the third phase with the Explorer H2, an even more advanced model, measuring 50 meters in length, capable of extracting seawater, desalinating it and generating its own hydrogen, achieving zero emissions.

Além disso, a embarcação de última geração será equipada para apoio a operações de mergulho e coleta de dados hidrográficos e oceanográficos, posicionando-se como uma plataforma multifuncional para estudos marinhos. Esse avanço tecnológico, apoiado por investimentos de R$ 150 milhões da chinesa GWM, demonstra o potencial do hidrogênio verde para transformar a indústria marítima, reduzindo a pegada de carbono e promovendo a economia azul no Brasil.