EO1 is the first ship in history to have made a round-the-world trip using a combination of 100% renewable energies and hydrogen produced on board by electrolyzing seawater. Launched in 2017, it has become a powerful symbol of the energy transition, recognized with the Heritage Vessel (labelled ‘Bateau d’Intérêt Patrimonial’ in France)
From laboratory vessel to emblem
EO1 has continued to evolve over the years to experiment, integrate and test cutting-edge energy technologies directly at sea, under actual operating conditions.
Since its first miles at sea, EO1 has never stopped evolving. Designed as a full-scale demonstrator, it has made it possible to deploy, test, and refine cutting-edge energy technologies directly at sea, under real operating conditions, converting innovation into concrete, measurable, and operational solutions. EO1 has proven that it is possible to navigate with zero emissions, no fine particles, and no noise, by combining state-of-the-art technologies with an energy sobriety approach. A proof of concept that remains, to this day, unique in the world.
Before the handover to EO3 in 2027, EO1 continues its mission of exploration and awareness in Europe as part of the 2025-2033 expedition, a journey to carbon neutrality. This phase allows the crew to remain close to the EO3 construction site while continuing to work toward the maritime decarbonization targets set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
EO1 acts as a convergence point, a place where scientific knowledge, industrial initiatives, and local dynamics come together.
Beyond its technological dimension, EO1 is designed as a welcoming and meeting space. At every port of call, the ship opens its doors to share the work carried out on board and engage directly with its guests.
Visits, sea trips, and exchanges bring together partners, institutions, decision-makers, experts, and the general public around the technologies being tested and the insights gathered in the field : the ship becomes a living platform for presenting concrete solutions and discussing their implications.
Between 2025 and 2027, EO1 ensures the operational continuity of the expedition in Europe while EO3 is being built. In 2027, EO3 will take over and mark a new stage in the expedition: designed as a display and collaboration tool, this new-generation ship, built to professional maritime standards, will support the transformation of global shipping in line with the IMO's target of a 70% reduction in GHG emissions by 2040.
