Demonstration of Ultra-Long-Endurance Hydrogen-Powered Uncrewed Surface Vessels

ACUA Ocean (AO) is a clean-maritime start-up that has designed (patent pending) a long-endurance liquid hydrogen-powered uncrewed surface vessel (H-USV). By combining two of the fastest growing technologies in the maritime sector: hydrogen and autonomy hydrogen-powered uncrewed surface vessels (H-USV) can deliver increased offshore endurance of up to 70 days at 5 Knots and a range of 8400 Nm.

Most USVs available on the market today have limited commercial viability due to low endurance or restricted payload capacities. Wind/wave powered USVs have a long endurance but have limited payload capacity; electric powered USVs have limited endurance and payload capacity requiring frequent recharging limiting their operational range, and although diesel-powered USVs have high payload capacity and potential range, their endurance is limited by the maintenance requirements of the generators and do not meet the zero emission target of the Clean Maritime Plan.

AO's H-USV innovative design overcomes these limitations and the challenges of incorporating large volumes of liquid hydrogen into smaller USVs that support the development of technologies supporting the transition to Net Zero by 2050

This project will demonstrate that integrating a hydrogen system in a USV platform will not only result in a more sustainable solution with lower GHG emissions but also one that is more cost-effective compared to traditional diesel-powered vessels whilst reducing downtime and maintenance requirements.

Development of the regulatory environment and technical design of H-USVs will support the development of technologies supporting the transition to Net Zero by 2050\. The foundational prototype along with the regulatory, operational and technical deliverables and know-how established during this demonstration will enable the accelerated adoption of multiple types of liquid hydrogen powered vessels across the maritime industry.