The Sogestran Group has introduced France’s first hydrogen-powered river vessel, the Zulu 06. This 55-meter vessel, launched on the Seine in Paris, boasts a cargo capacity of 400 tons and is specifically designed to transport small deck cargoes for customers in Paris. Designed by LMG Marin and equipped with a power system from ABB Marine & Ports, the Zulu 06 features two 200 kW hydrogen fuel cells provided by Ballard. With 300 kilos of compressed hydrogen on board, the vessel can operate for seven days before needing a refill, showcasing a new, clean business model for urban waterway transportation.
The Zulu 06 project, hailed as a significant advancement for river transport and energy transition in France, received praise from François Durovray, the French Minister of Transport. He highlighted the project’s role in promoting green mobility and emphasized the collaboration between public and private entities in achieving sustainable transportation solutions. The vessel’s construction, funded by the EU’s FLAGSHIPS initiative, took place in Romania before the propulsion system was outfitted in France, showcasing a cross-border effort to advance zero-emission waterborne transport.
Pascal Girardet, Chairman and CEO of the Sogestran Group, emphasized the importance of innovations like the Zulu 06 in accelerating the development of the hydrogen industry and building a robust value chain. The next vessel in the FLAGSHIPS program, the FPS Waal operated by Future Proof Shipping, is a conversion project aimed at transforming a conventional inland container feeder into a zero-emissions vessel for operations on the Rhine. This initiative further demonstrates the commitment to sustainable maritime transportation and the transition towards cleaner energy sources in the European waterborne transport sector.