Baglietto and Arco Technologies agree hydrogen superyacht partnership
Italian shipyard Baglietto and Arco Technologies have signed a partnership deal, that will see Arco help build a hydrogen fuel cell power station for yachts over 50m. The announcement is part of the shipbuilder’s BZero project, dedicated to developing hydrogen as an energy source.
A land-based Arco Fuel Cell Module prototype system is being developed by Arco, with a smaller-scale model to be installed on Baglietto yachts over 50m in the future. The prototype will be used to develop operational procedures, optimise technical solutions and achieve the certifications required to use the system on board yachts and refill the tanks.
Diego Michele Deprati, CEO, Baglietto said that with 170 years of experience in shipbuilding, Baglietto strives to contribute to the wellbeing of our seas and “truly green and sustainable yachting”.
“In 1874 [French novelist and playwright] Jules Verne wrote ‘I believe that water will one day be employed as fuel, that hydrogen and oxygen which constitute it, used singly or together, will furnish an inexhaustible source of heat and light,’” said Deprati.
“Now is the time. We have set up a department, Baglietto Energy, specifically devoted to studying new eco-sustainable technology and the implementation of alternative energy sources in the boating industry.”
The Arco Fuel Cell Module is a core component of the Baglietto BZero system that filters and deionises seawater with electrolysers that are powered by renewable resources. Hydrogen is stored in metal hydride containers at a safe temperature and pressure and is used to produce zero-emission energy.
David Zabetakis, CEO, Arco Technologies said: “Hydrogen fuel cells are undoubtedly a leap in the right direction for the energy and climate change transition that’s happening everywhere. We’re thrilled to bring this technology aboard yachts with Baglietto.”
The BZero project, led by Baglietto, is also in collaboration with hydrogen infrastructure developer BlueEnergy Revolution, electrolyser producer Enapter, hydrogen yacht architect H2Boat and energy conglomerate Siemens Energy. Rina will be the certifying body across all project stages.
