Fountaine Pajot Pioneers Eco-Friendly Boating with Electric and Hydrogen Power
The Fountaine Pajot group is making waves in the nautical world with its commitment to environmental sustainability. Recognizing a shift in customer demand, the company is actively developing and implementing solutions to reduce the carbon footprint of its yachts.
“Pleasure boaters initially sought performance. Then they wanted more comfort on board… Today, they also demand boats with a low environmental impact,” says Romain Motteau, Deputy Managing Director of Fountaine Pajot. “Some prospects tell us that their children no longer want to come sailing on their overly polluting boats and that they are turning to our products, which are considered more environmentally friendly!”
ODSea Lab: A Hub for Green Innovation
Fountaine Pajot has established ODSea Lab, a collaborative platform dedicated to environmental innovation. This lab brings together experts in energy transition, research and development, and other stakeholders focused on reducing carbon emissions. The results of their research, combined with the shipyard’s own studies, are already being integrated into the latest Dufour and Fountaine Pajot boat models.
Tackling the Biggest Impact: Usage
A comprehensive study based on the internationally recognized GHG protocol reveals that 80% of a boat’s carbon footprint stems from its usage, while only 20% comes from its production. While efforts to minimize production impact are crucial – such as equipping factories, prioritizing local supply chains, and reusing materials – the primary focus is on creating boats that are more environmentally friendly during operation.
The key to reducing a boat’s carbon footprint lies in offering alternatives to traditional combustion engines. Electric propulsion is now a well-established option, with many Dufour and Fountaine Pajot models available with electric motors.
Hydrogen: The Future of Sailing?
Fountaine Pajot is also exploring cutting-edge technologies, including hydrogen fuel cells. The Samana 59 is the first catamaran equipped with a hybrid electric-hydrogen engine, demonstrating the viability of this innovative approach.
A Bold Goal: Carbon Neutrality by 2030
The group has set an ambitious goal of achieving net carbon neutrality by 2030. This commitment reflects Fountaine Pajot’s dedication to preserving the marine environment for future generations.
Key Initiatives:
- Developing electric propulsion systems for a range of boat models.
- Pioneering the use of hydrogen fuel cell technology in catamarans.
- Focusing on reducing the environmental impact of boat usage.
- Collaborating with experts and stakeholders through ODSea Lab.
Fountaine Pajot’s proactive approach positions them as a leader in the transition towards sustainable boating, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the beauty of the sea.
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