The ZULU 06, the first hydrogen-powered river vessel developed by the Sogestran group, was christened today, December 3, in Paris by its sponsor, Valérie Bouillon-Delporte, executive director of the Clean Hydrogen Partnership in the presence of François Durovray, Minister of Transport.
This major technological advance is the result of six years of research carried out by the Sogestran group as part of the European Flagships project. The project benefited from the modernisation and innovation support plan supported by Voies Navigables de France and co-financed by ADEME and the Île-de-France region.
The ZULU 06, 55 metres long, is designed to meet the challenges of urban logistics in the heart of the metropolis. With a transport capacity of 400 tonnes of goods, this boat is powered by two fuel cells of 200 kW each, supplied by 300 kg of decarbonised (“green”) hydrogen at 300 bars. It has a range of 500 km, perfectly suited to its distribution missions in urban areas.
This hydrogen propulsion represents a first in France and an unprecedented advance in the mass transport of goods. More than a boat, the ZULU 06 aims to be a demonstrator serving the energy transition and greener urban logistics.
” While the hydrogen propulsion sector remains under construction, each building block plays a role in its democratisation and will ultimately make it possible to structure a complete value chain. With the ZULU 06, we are taking an essential step for river transport. This boat embodies not only technological excellence but also Sogestran’s commitment to sustainable and efficient mobility. ” says Pascal Girardet, Chairman and CEO of the Sogestran group.
ZULU 06 is the result of a collective effort that mobilized public and private stakeholders in France and Europe. The project was carried out within the framework of the European Flagships program, which aims to promote zero-emission solutions on European rivers. It received financial and technical support from the European Union (via the Clean Hydrogen Partnership) and VNF (via the Modernization and Innovation Support Plan co-financed by ADEME and the Île-de-France region).
The launch of the ZULU 06 is part of the national hydrogen propulsion strategy and French commitments to green growth. It confirms the ability of river transport to play a key role in the decarbonisation of mobility.
The hydrogen propulsion sector still has a long way to go before it becomes a democratised solution. The Sogestran group and all the project leaders are therefore calling for increased mobilisation of all stakeholders in the ecosystem – from financiers to support this transition, to public authorities to support regulatory changes, without forgetting customers, the true partners in this transformation.
“With the christening of the Zulu 06, we are witnessing a major step forward for river transport and the energy transition in France. This boat, the first of its kind powered by hydrogen in France, embodies the country’s commitment to sustainable, innovative and decarbonized mobility. It demonstrates our ability to reconcile logistical performance and respect for the environment. This project is a very good example of European cooperation and synergy between public and private stakeholders for green mobility, both local and sustainable. We are taking a step here in the decarbonization of transport. It is a strong signal of our determination to transform our modes of transport so that they are more ecological and more resilient in the face of tomorrow’s challenges!”, François Durovray, Minister Delegate for Transport .
“The integration of fuel cells into the ZULU 06 river boat, which will be operated commercially in the heart of Paris, is a technical and regulatory success. This innovation paves the way for the decarbonization of freight and passenger transport on the waterways of France and Europe using hydrogen produced from clean energy. In the wake of the FLAGSHIPS project, other river and maritime applications will contribute to improving air quality, reducing noise and thus drastically reducing the carbon footprint of river transport.”, Valérie Bouillon Delporte, Executive Director, Clean Hydrogen Partnership and patron of ZULU 06.
“Our group invests 15% of its turnover each year in research and development and in the renewal of its fleet. We work daily to decarbonize our activities, from three angles: better design, better consumption and better operation. We are experimenting with new technologies, whether new fuels or alternative propulsions. We would like to thank all of our partners and in particular the Clean Hydrogen Partnership at the initiative of the European Flagships project.”, Pierre-Yves Girardet, shareholder and director of the Sogestran group .
“The christening of the ZULU H2 demonstrates the feasibility of hydrogen technology in the river sector. Through its Modernization and Innovation Support Plan (PAMI), VNF, the Île-de-France Region and Ademe, partners in the scheme, have financially supported this achievement, which represents a major step forward in the energy transition of river transport. This boat symbolises our collective commitment to decarbonised transport and a more sustainable future. We must now capitalise on the experience acquired with this pioneering project.”, Cécile Avezard, Managing Director, Voies Navigables de France (VNF ).
Delphine Bürkli, Paris-Île de France regional councilor, representing Valérie Pécresse
“Long-awaited, this hydrogen-powered boat is a real innovation offering the sector major technological and regulatory advances related to the use of hydrogen. By supporting this innovative project, the Île-de-France Region is reaffirming its ambition: to triple river logistics flows and make river transport a strategic pillar for the economic development of our Region. This project is also part of the regional Hydrogen strategy implemented in November 2019 to support the development of local and carbon-free hydrogen production.”, Valérie Pécresse, President of the Île-de-France Region .
“The commissioning of the Zulu06 H2 is a major step forward for the hydrogen sector and the decarbonisation of river logistics. Hydrogen demonstrates its relevance in providing river transport players and their customers with a zero-emission solution capable of meeting their operational constraints. There are still obstacles to massifying this type of deployment, whether in the integration of solutions, changes in regulations or financing for players who engage in these innovations, but we are working hard on it because the hydrogen solution meets the needs of the sector.” Philippe Boucly, President, France Hydrogène .
