State backing for a new kind of low-carbon ship
Run by CORIMER as part of France 2030, the call aims to speed up the decarbonisation of French shipping. It supports vessels designed to cut greenhouse gas emissions significantly. For Energy Observer, the selection provides the backing needed to start building EO3 and developing its energy system.
Read the official press release and the six selected projects (in French)
Two years of designing, persuading, bringing people together, raising funds and securing every piece, without ever letting go. This selection gives us the backing and trust we need to open a new chapter: building the ship and developing its energy system.
Victorien ErussardFounder and captain of Energy Observer
From announcement to construction: key milestones
- 14 June 2024: as Energy Observer returns from its seven-year round-the-world voyage, the team announces the first outlines of the EO3 project.
- 6 June 2025: EO3's design is unveiled in Nice during the United Nations Ocean Conference.
- August 2026: EO3 is selected under the CORIMER “Low-Carbon Ship” call.
2027: Construction begins. The shipyard and build location will be announced shortly.
A collective effort
The project is backed by CORIMER, ADEME (the French Agency for Ecological Transition), DGAMPA (French Directorate General for Maritime Affairs), the Directorate General for Enterprise, France 2030 and the General Secretariat for Investment. It is also supported by GICAN (the French maritime industry association) and the Pôle Mer Bretagne Atlantique cluster.
On the technical side, EO3 brings together VPLP Design (naval architecture), Bureau Veritas, AltfinPartners and ERM, along with industrial partners and suppliers. The project is led by the Energy Observer and EO Concept teams.
The expedition's partners are also backing this new chapter: Accor, Delanchy, Qair Group, Toyota Motor Europe, Groupe Roullier, Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking and Crédit Maritime Grand Ouest, with support from Socomec Group.