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Energy Observer unveils EO3, its new flagship laboratory vessel

On Friday, June 6, at the opening of the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), Energy Observer unveiled EO3, its new expedition laboratory vessel, designed to explore future solutions for maritime and energy decarbonization.

This pioneering ocean-going catamaran, authentic floating innovation hub, marks the beginning of a new global adventure titled “A journey to Carbon Neutrality” (2025–2033).

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Expedition 2025-2033

A journey to carbon neutrality

7 missions :
· Carbon Capture
· Sustainable Mobility
· Artificial Intelligence & Energy Transition
· Strategic Materials & Circular Economy
· Fossil, Renewable & Nuclear Energies
· Water – Access to a Vital Resource
· Arctic World Tour – Climate Change Adaptation & Resilience

Energy Observer is setting off on a new expedition: A journey to Carbon Neutrality.

Nine years to experiment, decode, and raise awareness. Nine years to do our part, accelerate the energy transition, and aim for carbon neutrality.

This new expedition is structured around 7 missions, from carbon capture to an Arctic world tour, while also exploring biodiversity, ecosystem resilience, and more frugal, circular development models.

In 2027, EO3 will take over: a next-generation vessel, equipped with a breakthrough energy system. Energy Observer sets off again — with the experience of yesterday, the technologies of today, and the determination to help transform tomorrow.

Expedition 2025-2033 : A journey to carbon neutrality

Mission 1: Carbon Capture
2025 – 2026

Capturing, storing, and utilizing CO₂ to reach carbon neutrality

Energy Observer is launching its new expedition with a mission dedicated to carbon capture, storage, and utilization solutions—whether natural or technological. The objectives are clear: showcase the diversity of approaches, from reforestation to mineralization; assess their effectiveness, sustainability, and scalability; and create synergies between industrial innovation and natural ecosystems.

From 2025 through the end of 2026, the EO1 lab vessel will stop in over 30 ports to meet with researchers, industry leaders, local governments, and grassroots initiatives.

« It is time we collectively embrace the urgent need to decarbonize maritime transport. The sector accounts for nearly 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions—a figure that will only increase if no action is taken. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set a clear course: to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, with key milestones as early as 2030 and 2040.

The decisions we make today will shape our supply chains, industrial competitiveness, and our ability to stay within the planet’s climate boundaries for decades to come.

It is with this vision that Energy Observer has been mobilizing since 2017 to help create a more sustainable energy future. »

Victorien Erussard

Founding president and captain

The vessels

EO1

International Ambassador for the Energy Transition

EO1 is the first vessel in history to have completed a round-the-world voyage combining a 100% renewable energy mix with hydrogen produced on board through seawater electrolysis. Launched in 2017, this iconic catamaran has become a powerful symbol of the energy transition. 
As a floating lab for low-carbon innovation, EO1 has proven that it is possible to sail with zero emissions, zero fine particles, and zero noise—by combining cutting-edge technologies with energy sobriety. 
Extended through 2027, she continues its awareness mission in Europe as part of the 2025–2033 expedition.

Width
12,6 m
Air draught
15 m
Draught
2,2 m
Displacement
35 tonnes
Average speed
4.5 knots
Crew
5 people
Capacity
4 passengers at sea
Commissioned
2017
Propulsion
Électric – 2 × 40 kW
Batteries
100 kWh
Hydrogen production
Onboard electrolyzer
H₂ storage
2 MWh energy equivalent
Fuel cell
PEM – 70 kW – 60 °C
Solar panels
202 m² – 35 kWc
Wind propulsion wings
2 Oceanwings
Range
Unlimited in favourable conditions

EO2

The world’s largest low-carbon liquid hydrogen cargo ship for intra-European freight

EO2 is a pilot cargo ship powered by liquid hydrogen. Designed to operate on commercial routes across Europe, it far exceeds current decarbonization standards: 98% of emissions avoided during operation.
Conceived as a next-generation industrial demonstrator, EO2 combines autonomy, power, silence, and performance to accelerate the decarbonization of maritime transport. 
Zero direct emissions, zero fine particles: EO2 emits no atmospheric pollutants harmful to human health or marine ecosystems. No gas or residue is released from its exhaust during navigation.

Width
24,5 m
Air draught
36 m
Draught
8 m
Displacement
12 000 tonnes
Capacity
1 100 EVP (TEU)
Speed
12,5 knots ( cruising ) – 16 knots (max)
Crew
18 people
Scheduled commissioning
end of 2029
Propulsion
Électric – 8,5 MW
Fuel cells
PEM – 12 × 400 kW → 4,8 MW
Batteries
1 MWh
H₂ storage
42 tons of liquid hydrogen (-253°C)
Energy equivalent
≈ 150 tons of diesel → 1,770 MWh
Range
14 days – 1,600 nautical miles
Supported by

EO3

The next-generation lab vessel to explore renewable synthetic fuels

EO3 is a next-generation floating lab, designed from the outset by Energy Observer as a platform for innovation at sea. It is built to test new energy architectures, explore alternative decarbonization models for maritime transport, and host a wide range of expertise across applied research, creative industries, and scientific outreach.
Open to science, audiovisual production, art, and events, this professional vessel combines low-carbon technologies with new narratives for the transition.
Zero direct emissions: EO3 will use ammonia—a hydrogen carrier—converted via cracking and fuel cells to enable silent, electric propulsion.

Width
12 m
Air draught
19 m
Draught
2,1 m
Displacement
125 tons
Target speed
8 knots
Crew
6 people
Capacity
12 passengers at sea
Scheduled commissioning
2027
Propulsion
Electric– 2 × 85 kW
Batteries
248 kWh
NH₃ storage
7,5 t of ammonia
Energy equivalent
≈ 4 t of diesel → 39 MWh
Energy chain
• Ammonia cracker
• Fuel cell : PEM – 70 kW – 60 °C
• Fuel cell : SOFC – 15 kW – 700 °C
• NH₃ internal combustion engine
Solar panels
180 m² – 32 kWc
Wind propulsion wings
4 Oceanwings

Featured expedition

In 2024, Energy Observer’s Odyssey came to an end.

For seven years, the EO1 vessel sailed the equivalent of three times around the world, with one clear ambition: to meet territories and explore real-world innovations driving the energy transition.

With 400 collaborators and 50 partners, Energy Observer returns filled with stories and learnings, reinforcing one belief: the levers of transformation already exist. We remain committed.

The Odyssee's website

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Energy Observer Foundation

The Energy Observer Foundation is an endowment fund that raises awareness about carbon neutrality, explains energy challenges, and brings together expertise to accelerate the transition.

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